The Balancing Act: Celiac Disease

I have been meaning to post this for a long time, but it got lost in the shuffle. Back in October, The Balancing Act on Lifetime TV did a feature on Celiac Disease. Phyllis Kessler, President of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s Florida Chapter and Dr. Matthew Bromer stopped by The Balancing Act studio to educate viewers about the signs, symptoms, and risks of the under-diagnosed disease and how it can be treated naturally.

CBS Cares: Celiac Disease

This public service announcement has recently been airing on CBS. It features Pauley Perrette from NCIS talking about Celiac Disease. Thank you CBS for taking the time to air this clip.

Truvia is Gluten-Free

A family friend knew I wanted to cut back on sugar so she gave me some packets of Truvia. I liked Truvia much better than Splenda which always leaves me with a slightly loop feeling and a really gross aftertaste. I was curious about the ingredients, so I wrote to them company. Here is what they had to say:

Truvia natural sweetener contains a proprietary flavor system that does not contain any of the major known food allergens such as: wheat, soy, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish. Truvia is caffeine free, gluten free, contains no MSG and is safe for people with diabetes.

• Truvia™ natural sweetener is refreshingly uncomplicated. Sprinkle it on your grapefruit. Spoon it in your coffee. It won't end up on your conscience or your thighs.

• One packet of Truvia™ natural sweetener provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar.

• Truvia™ natural sweetener is a great alternative for people with diabetes. It is also kosher certified.

Thank you
Truvia Customer Service
www.truvia.com

Gluten-Free Gourmet Feast at the Culinary Institute of America

I have only been to the Culinary Institute of America once and it is beautiful. The meals are decadent and presented beautifully. Now is your chance to take a class at the CIA. It is a Gluten-Free Gourmet Feast. You can reach Hyde Park, NY via Metro North to Poughkeepsie and then a quick cab ride up route 9.

Sign up today.

Gluten-Free Gourmet Feast
Wednesday, February 16 @ 6:30 p.m.
Course No. 808–Gluten-Free

This meal is an opportunity for anyone touched by celiac disease to relax and enjoy exceptional food that is gluten-free. Rest assured that Chef Theo Roe will see to every detail of this four-course dinner at the American Bounty Restaurant. You'll enjoy a classic Caesar salad, hold the gluten; a wild mushroom soup; and house-made, gluten-free gnocchi with spicy sausage, broccoli rabe, and Asiago cheese. For dessert, Chef Rich Coppedge will prepare a surprise for all! During the meal, Chef Roe will share information about gluten-free cuisine and provide patrons with a recipe of one of the evening's dishes. Chef Coppedge's book, Gluten-Free Baking, will be on sale before dinner in case you'd like to try more gluten-free meals at home. $55.

http://www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/events/dinner_events.asp#feast

Best (Gluten-Free) Holiday Party Ever

Ladies Who Brunch in Miami, August 2010

I have a very close group of friends that I have known for about 5 years now. We all met in a crazy place we liked to call "work" and have remained friends despite none of us working together anymore. We call ourselves "Ladies Who Brunch" since we usually try to catch up over brunch every month or so despite only half of us anatomically being ladies (at least to my knowledge, ha!) Our brunches are epic; they last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. Believe it! We always consider it a success when we start brunch on a Saturday and end on a Sunday. (This has only happened once and we wound up in 2 of 5 boroughs of NYC... don't ask!)

Every year, Ladies Who Brunch have a holiday party in lieu of our December brunch. This year, my friend H decided to host our holiday party at her apartment. She recently moved to an awesome apartment south of Union Square and had enough space for all six of us to enjoy a delicious meal. I started out as the only gluten-free member of the Ladies Who Brunch crew but another friend went gluten-free a couple of years ago. He was never officially diagnosed with Celiac but he has stuck to a gluten-free diet and feels better than he ever did.

H's mom has Celiac Disease so she is well-versed in gluten-free cooking and preparation in order to avoid cross-contamination. H did a test run of her gluten-free menu over her Thanksgiving break in Florida. Let me tell you, this girl went above and beyond my gluten-free expectations. She prepared a 100% gluten-free meal from appetizers to dessert and even included a signature cocktail.

Here was our menu:
cheese and gluten-free crackers
skirt steak pinwheels
gluten-free biscuits
Thai pumpkin soup
gf ricotta gnocchi
mixed greens with goat cheese
mustard mascarpone marsala chicken with a side of rice and haricot verts
Chocolate banana bread pudding with dark rum creme anglaise

Um, can you say decadent and delicious!? We had planned on a wine pairing with each course, but that didn't happen because we ate too much. We did drink some wine, just not as much as usual. We did have cocktails before dessert which were some kind of spiced apple martini, but even that was too rich to overindulge. 4 out of the 6 of us passed out in a food coma after the meal. This was a wonderful way for me to spend the holidays with my friends!

I have a lot of recipes to share from this meal, but I think the dessert one is the best. H used Udi's Gluten-Free White Bread for the recipe. You can use your favorite gluten-free bread if you don't use Rudi's.


Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
1 loaf of Udi's Gluten-Free bread, cut into cubes (about 15 cups)
3 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup coffee-flavored liqueur
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
4 tablespoon gluten-free vanilla extract
2 teaspoons pure almond extract
2 tablespoons teaspoons ground cinnamon
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
2 ripe bananas
1 stick of butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Place the bread in the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, and liqueur.
4. In another bowl, combine the granulated and brown sugars with the cocoa powder and mix well. Add this to the milk mixture and whisk to combine.
5. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and the cinnamon to the beaten eggs and the melted butter.
6. Combine the egg mixture with the milk mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. 
7. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes; let stand, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes, or until the bread has absorbed most of the milk mixture. 
8. Bake the pudding for 1 hour, or until set; a knife inserted into the center of the pudding should come out clean. 
9. Serving the pudding warm, or refrigerate it and serve chilled with whipped cream or a dessert sauce.

NFCA Launches New Online Educational Video Series

Celiac Disease & Gluten-free Diet Video Series Now Available on CeliacCentral.org.

Ambler, PA, December 22, 2010 (PR.com)-- The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is proud to unveil a new educational video series on the subject of celiac disease and its only known treatment, a gluten-free diet.

Available on both NFCA’s website (CeliacCentral.org) and Monkeysee.com, this online resource seeks to educate consumers about this autoimmune digestive disorder that affects 3 million Americans, as well as provide helpful information and support for the celiac community.

Series Topics Include:

• Understanding Celiac Disease
• Recognizing Signs & Symptoms
• Diagnosing Celiac Disease
• The Gluten-free Diet
• Celiac Disease Research: What’s On The Horizon

“We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to CeliacCentral.org,” said NFCA President and Founder Alice Bast, “NFCA strives to provide unique, informative and entertaining multimedia resources through our website and we remain committed to raising awareness through a variety of media channels.”

The five part series, created and produced in partnership with Knowlera Media, features Alice Bast, NFCA Founder and President, Gerald Mullin, MD, Director of Integrative GI Nutrition Services at John’s Hopkins University, as well as Bethesda, MD native Robin Rosenblum and her son Jacob, who suffers from celiac disease.

“These expert and patient testimonials provide a unique array of perspectives and represent many important groups within the celiac disease community,” said Bast.

NFCA’s website offers the latest news and free, comprehensive support materials for celiac patients, their families and healthcare providers including recipes, videos, webinars and blogs to promote quality of life without compromise.

1 in every 100 Americans suffers from celiac disease, a condition triggered by the protein gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. Cases of celiac have increased four fold since the 1950’s, yet 90% of those who have it live undiagnosed. Currently, the only known treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet.

For additional information or to watch NFCA’s Celiac Disease & The Gluten-free Diet educational video series, visit CeliacCentral.org.

About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness:
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of celiac in order to gain prompt and accurate diagnosis for those suffering, supporting the health and wellbeing of those with the disease, and facilitating research that will better understand the disorder and find a cure. Visit www.celiaccentral.org for information.

About Knowlera Media:
Knowlera Media is the leading creator of professional-quality, lifestyle-focused video content for distribution via Web and broadcast television. These professionally produced, expert-driven videos are created in collaboration with world-class experts across the US, with each expert providing advice and demonstrations in deep detail.

To date, Knowlera has created more than 11,000 professional videos, all shot in high definition and presented to audiences numbering the tens of millions. Their videos are used in television programming, broadcast news, on the popular destination site MonkeySee.com, and a syndication network of hundreds of sites across the web.

###
Contact Information
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
Whitney Ehret
215-325-1306 x 103
whitney@ celiaccentral.org
www.celiaccentral.org

GF Sof'ella Cupcakes with Domino's Sugar Buttercream Frosting

Did you ever bake a gluten-free dessert for the gluten-eaters that was a HUGE hit? I did, it was Sof'ella Gourmet Natural Foods Chocolate cupcakes with Domino's Sugar Buttercream Frosting.

Sof'ella Gourmet Natural Foods contacted me back in November after reading one of my comments on the LA Times article called Celiac Disease Resources. I am always excited when companies that are new to me find me and my blog. Ahhh, the power of the internet!

Sof'ella produces a gluten-free chocolate cake mix as well as an all-purpose gluten-free baking mix. I opted for a sample of the Gluten-Free Chocolate cake mix since the ingredients were good for me and for my nieces who have multiple allergies besides being gluten-free. The ingredients of the chocolate cake mix are: sugar, white rice flour, cocoa powder, navy bean flour, tapioca starch, cornstarch, baking soda, vanilla powder, baking powder, sea salt and guar gum.

When I asked Sof'ella Gourmet Natural Foods how they avoid cross-contamination in their production facility, they gave me a very thorough answer.

Our processing procedures begin with thorough sanitation after a 24-hour idle period; This means that the producion facility is shut down for 24 hrs to allow all the dust to settle prior to a complete sanitation of the machines and the facility. Production takes place at the start of a work week and prior to non-GF runs. We verify proper sanitation through sensory/visual inspection, AccuClean swabs on food-contact surfaces to detect residual protein and simple sugars, and finalize with gluten tests on food-contact surfaces and the end product to ensure gluten levels comply with regulations for “gluten-free” foods.

I don't usually bake for myself, but I decided this Sof'ella Gmix would be perfect to use to make cupcakes for my office holiday party last Thursday. I have a soft spot for really decadent and sweet buttercream frosting, so I used the recipe found on the side of the Domino's Confectioners Sugar box.

When I contacted Domino's about their sugar, here was their prompt response:

None of our sugars contain gluten. Our Powdered Sugar contains 3% corn starch as an anti-caking agent, and this product may contain a very minuscule amount (less than 0.01%) of corn gluten, which is not harmful to gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients. Starch from sources other than corn, such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, or triticale, is never used. Except for corn starch, no ingredients other than cane sugar are used in any of our consumer products. They contain no additives or preservatives.

Although many producers of brown sugars use added caramel color, which may contain gluten, no caramel color is ever used in Domino Sugar Brown Sugars.

I made the Sof'ella Chocolate Cake into cupcakes by following the directions on the box to a T. The recipe yielded approximately 17 cupcakes, although my pouring skills probably made for the various sizes in cupcakes and a different number from the box. After making the buttercream frosting, I reserved about two separate half cups to add food coloring to decorate. I am no Martha Stewart, but I had a lot of fun decorating these cupcakes in holiday colors. My apartment is really hot, so the frosting kind of melted but the thought and heart was still there. :-)  Considering I was using Ziploc bags with the corners cut off, I think my red and green icing piping came out pretty well!

All I have to say is these cupcakes were very popular. I usually don't like telling people when I bake something that is gluten-free. I feel like people are reluctant to try anything that is labeled gluten-free. I noticed a few people trying them to be nice but then realizing that these cupcakes were really good. The Sof'ella gluten-free chocolate cupcakes were moist with a delicious chocolate flavor. The buttercream frosting was a nice balance with the chocolate, but I could have definitely eaten the cupcake alone.

We had our party on Thursday and I noticed 6 cupcakes left on Friday. Monday I was planning on eating the last one, but it was gone! Not only were the cupcakes delicious, but they had a really good shelf life in a Tupperware container kept in the fridge the entire weekend.

If you get a chance to try the Sof'ella Gluten-Free mixes, I highly recommend them! They were delicious and a big hit with both the gluten-free (me) and gluten-eating crowd.

Erin Smith’s Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

A very long time ago, I submitted my recipe for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies to a contest and I won a Whole Foods giftcard. The most exciting part of that contest was that my recipe was also published in Beyond Rice Cakes: A Young Person’s Guide to Cooking, Eating & Living Gluten-Free. How exciting! My very first cookbook.

Now, I am happy to share those cookies again on the Dish Towel Diaries Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie countdown. Silvana is filling December with delicious gluten-free cookie recipes and gift giveaways from her good food friends—and some of your favorite people on the planet! Today it happens to be me!!

Erin Smith’s Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Please visit Silvana Nardone's website today for more information and to enter to win the Shabtai Gourmet giveaway!

http://www.dishtoweldiaries.com/2010/12/erin-smiths-easy-peanut-butter-cookies/

A LiveGlutenFreely General Mills Giveaway

I am excited to announce a very cool giveaway. Last month, I was sent a Live Gluten Freely product box from General Mills. This is a great starter kit for those who are new to the gluten-free diet or others who are old pros but might not have tried all of the new gluten-free products from General Mills. Some of my favorites were in this box and now I am excited to share this giveaway with my readers. Leave a comment here and/or on my Gluten-Free Fun Facebook page and you will be entered to win. The drawing will be on December 24th, just in time for Christmas.

The Live Gluten Freely is awesome and includes:

• Betty Crocker® Gluten-Free Brownie Mix
• Betty Crocker® Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix
• Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy Chocolate Frosting
• Honey Nut Chex® Cereal
• Bisquick® Gluten Free Original Pancake and Baking Mix
• Betty Crocker® Fruit Flavored Snacks Variety Pack - Fruit Roll-Ups®, Fruit Gushers®, Fruit by the Foot®
• Peanut Butter Cookie Lärabar® Snack Bar
• Betty Crocker® Potato Buds® Mashed Potatoes
• Betty Crocker® Red Serving Spoon
• Coupons and More!

How to enter:
1. Leave a comment below and/or on my Gluten-Free Fun facebook page and tell me what gluten-free product you would like to see from General Mills. Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact the winner.
2. Winner will be chosen at random on December 24th!

Here is more about LiveGlutenFreely:

From baked treats to mashed potatoes, more products than ever can be found in gluten-free varieties, and with the help of LiveGlutenFreely, an online community created by General Mills.

The site offers gluten-free product news, articles and real-life stories from people just like you. It also provides great-tasting recipes from breakfast treats like Blueberry-Corn Muffins to delicious dishes like Favorite Chicken Nuggets to indulgent desserts like Brownie Ganache Torte with Raspberries and Carrot Cake.

General Mills is proud to offer more than 300 affordable gluten-free products, available in grocery stores nationwide. You can keep up with new additions to the gluten-free list by subscribing to the LiveGlutenFreely Newsletter. Every month, you'll receive great “goodies” like yummy gluten-free recipes, tips, coupons for gluten-free items, new product information and more.

Click here to sign up today! Also, be sure to visit Live Gluten Freely on Facebook at Facebook.com/glutenfreely. “Like” the page and check out recipe ideas, product news and tips about living without gluten…freely!

All information, samples, and the prize were provided by General Mills

Celebrate the Holidays with Crunchmaster

This holiday season you will probably eat cheese and crackers at a party, enjoy side dishes at a holiday dinner, or probably bake a gluten-free dessert. Well, with Crunchmaster gluten-free crackers you can do all three! Crunchmaster encourages you to go beyond the cheese and cracker plate and use their gluten-free crackers in your next holiday dish. I have included their green bean casserole recipe below, but you can visit their website for many more holiday recipes. http://www.crunchmaster.com/recipes/featured.aspx


Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:
4 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms, washed and drained
7 tbsp. butter, divided
1 cup finely crushed Crunchmaster® Artisan Four Cheese crackers
¾ cup finely chopped yellow onion
4 tbsp. rice flour
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 ccup whole milk
16 oz. frozen cut green beans
1/3 c. shredded Romano cheese

In a medium skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms in one tbsp. butter. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tbsp. butter on medium heat until it begins to bubble. Add rice flour and stir over heat to form a roux, about 2 minutes. Add milk, chicken broth, salt , pepper, and dry mustard. Whisk well over medium heat until sauce begins to thicken. Add sautéed mushrooms. Stir.

In the same skillet used for mushrooms, add 1 tbsp. butter and 3/4 cup onion. Sauté on medium heat until onion begins to brown. Add 1 cup finely crushed Crunchmaster® Artisan Four Cheese crackers to skillet with butter and onion. Continue to sauté until crackers begin to brown. Remove from heat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine green beans, mushroom sauce mixture, and 2/3 cup onion/cracker mixture. Mix well. Pour into a 2qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining onion/cracker mixture, and shredded Romano cheese.

Bake covered at 350˚ for 15 minutes. Uncover, bake an additional 20 minutes.

Serves 6

Great Holiday Idea: Gluten Free To Go

I was first introduced to Rebecca & Devyn's Gluten Free To Go snack packs at the Appetite for Awareness event in Philadelphia this October. I was instantly drawn to the colorful logo, the resealable bags, and the selection of snacks inside each "To Go" package. I was so impressed that I voted these snack packs as my "Coolest New Travel Product" in my A4A Vendy Awards.  If you are looking for a holiday gift for a busy mom or dad, a frequent traveler, or even for yourself then I highly recommend the Gluten Free To Go snack packs.

These Gluten Free To Go bags are "ready-to-go snack packs that are safe, tasty, gluten-free and available free of the eight most common allergens (wheat, milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish.)" These snack packs already contact many familiar brands such as Enjoy Life Foods, Mary's Gone Crackers, Wild Garden, and Sunbutter which is welcoming to those of us who are already comfortable with particular allergen-free products.

There are four Gluten Free To Go packs to choose from including "At the Park", "In the City", "At the Lake", and "On the Trail". Each package has a different selection of snacks and they all come in resealable bags. Right now, the snack packs are available for purchase through the Gluten Free To Go website.

I hope to see these expand into health food markets soon. Or better yet, how awesome would it be if you were in the airport and saw this at one of your favorite news kiosks? Good luck to Rebecca and Devyn with their Gluten Free To Go snack packs.

Buy yours today! Are you a new customer? Get $4 off any 4 snack packs by using promo code BUY4GET4.

Product Review: Crispy Kale Rhythm Chips

I was recently sent samples of the all-natural, raw, Crispy Kale Rhythm Chips in Kool Ranch, Zesty Nacho, and Bombay Curry flavors from Rhythm Superfoods. I was excited to try this snack because I am really into kale these days. These chips are raw, vegan, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and GMO-free.

Kale is one of those "super foods" that I always read a lot about but was reluctant to try. I finally found a recipe for easy kale chips online, bought a huge bunch at a local produced stand, and after the second successful attempt at making the chips, I was hooked. I have now prepared kale as both chips and sauted with garlic and I love it. I always feel really healthy after I eat kale.

My coworker and I dove into the bag of Zesty nacho Rhythm Chips after lunch one day. Some of our initial thoughts were "this looks like fish food", "what is this little white packet" (it was silica gel!), "how do you eat this?", and "what a mess!" The product wasn't really chip-like at all, but more of a crushed mess of kale and other raw veggies. Despite the lack of chip, the flavor was great. There was just enough nacho flavor to make this a yummy snack. The bag is two servings but I easily polished it off one sitting.

The ingredients for these chips are simple: fresh kale, fresh red bell pepper, fresh zucchini, fresh carrot, cashews, fresh onion, lemon juice, vegan nutritional yeast, fresh garlic, apple cider vinegar, spices, sea salt. There are 106 calories per serving and 2 servings per bag. You can easily finish the whole bag in one sitting, so I would consider this a ~200 calorie snack.

I really liked the Zesty Naco Rhythm Kale Chips and I am sure I will like the Kool Ranch as well. I am not a huge curry fan, but I will give Bombay Curry a try. The only problem I have with these Kale Chips is the price. Online they are $29.99 for only 6 bags!! I find this to be a insanely expensive snack food. I do appreciate the raw food process, but this is way out of budget for me to eat on anything but a special occasion.

From the Rhythm Kale Chip bag:

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse. It's rich in powerful anti-oxidants, phyto nutrients and carotenoids. Kale is also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, maganese, copper, potassium, and fiber.

Rhythm Chips are flavored from delicious hand-crafted dressings created from the perfect blend of fresh vegetables, nuts, juices, herbs and spices. Instead of frying, these chips are air crisped at a low temperature, which maintains the living enzymes and maximizes nutritional potency. Fresh from the garden -- into this bag -- Rhythm Crispy Kale Chips will help you live your life to a healthy new beat!

Rhythm Superfoods is our ever-growing line of delicious, nutrient-rich raw snacks brought to you by the good folks at Daily Juice in Austin. Serving up fresh and innovative vegan cuisine since 2003, we procure organic and local ingredients whenever possible, and continually strive to reduce waste when we make our amazing foods..."

Click here for more information.

Another Gluten-Free Giveaway from Katz Gluten Free

Katz Gluten Free invites you to join them in their yummy winter giveaway. The grand raffle will be for a huge delicious box with every product that Katz Gluten Free currently sells!

But wait... there is more!

The winner will choose 10 items from the large box to have a second taste of Katz Gluten Free. Sure to be a scrumptious experience! The Drawing will take place on the January 2, 2011. This is seriously a HUGE prize of deliciousness.

Enter the Katz Gluten Free Giveaway now

Be sure to tell them that Gluten-Free Fun sent you to the contest!

Katz Gluten Free currently offers free shipping on all orders over $30.

In addition to the grand raffle on the Katz Gluten Free website, I am also having a giveaway on my Gluten-Free Fun facebook page for a Katz Gluten Free sample pack.

Here's how to enter:

1. Go to www.facebook.com/GlutenFreeFun
2. Become a fan of the page if you aren't already.
3. Leave a comment on the Katz Gluten Free Giveaway note on my Facebook page.
4. Winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, December 17th.


Follow Katz Gluten Free on Twitter or on Facebook today!
http://www.facebook.com/KatzGlutenFreeBakery
http://twitter.com/katzglutenfree

Yogi Teas

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I unfortunately came down with a really bad cold. My sister gave me some Yogi Tea and I was curious about their ingredients. I wrote to the customer service team at Yogi Teas and they quickly responded to me. I thought it was especially interesting that they addressed the materials in the tea bag and the packaging in regards to their ingredients. Here is what Yogi had to say:

Gluten concerns, including intolerance and Celiac disease, are taken seriously at Yogi. As with all potential allergies and sensitivities, we strongly suggest that you work with a qualified healthcare provider to identify substances that could trigger your individual symptoms. 

We cannot guarantee that any of our teas are completely gluten free. Yogi Teas that contain barley malt, and therefore, potentially, gluten:

• Healthy Fasting tea
• Stomach Ease tea
• Kava Stress Relief tea
• Calming tea

The four teas listed above are not recommended for anyone working to avoid gluten. Our remaining Yogi teas do not contain added gluten. There is no gluten in the tea bag material or packaging.

Please take the opportunity to read about cutting edge tea news at the Yogi Blog: http://www.yogiproducts.com/well-being/

Pamela's Products Unveils Holiday Baking Menu

PAMELA'S PRODUCTS UNVEILS HOLIDAY BAKING MENU
MAKE ANY HOLIDAY DISH GLUTEN-FREE WITH PAMELA'S PRODUCTS BAKING MIXES

(Ukiah, CA--November 2010) Pamela's Products has developed a special Holiday Dinner Menu to make your gluten-free holiday quick, easy and delicious with their versatile baking mixes. The mixes are so easy-to-use that most holiday recipes can be easily transformed into a gluten-free dish without having to search for new 'gluten-free recipes'. You can view our entire Holiday Menu online at http://www.pamelasproducts.com/fallmenu/fallmenu.html.

With the holiday season around the corner, home chefs are spending time making special treats and planning festive menus to share with family and friends. Planning pre-dinner cocktails? Our new Holiday Dinner Menu is filled with winning recipes of great 'bites' from our Annual Greatest Gluten-Free Recipe Contest. BLT Fritters with Pesto Mayonnaise, Cornbread Cuties, Steamed Pork Dumplings, Sausage Rolls and Cheese-puff Pastry Appetizers will have everyone sated and looking forward to your main course. And gravy is back on the menu. Just add some of our Baking & Pancake Mix or Gluten-Free Bread Mix to your pan drippings and you can make a delicious and satisfying gluten-free sauce or gravy. Dishes with breadcrumbs or toppings? We've got that covered too, with our simple recipe for Pamela's Amazing Toasted Breadcrumbs.

Most would agree that a Holiday Season staple is Pumpkin Pie. To make the Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie simply substitute traditional flour with Pamela's Products Gluten-Free Bread Mix:

Pie Crust
1/2 bag Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (16 TBSP) unsalted butter, chilled
6 to 7 tablespoons cold water

Filling
1 can of pumpkin puree (15 ounce)
1 can of evaporated milk (12 oz)
1/2 cup of sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Yield: One 9-inch pumpkin pie

In bowl, cut butter and shortening into Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix with two knives until small pea sized pieces form. Slowly add water until dough comes together, not sticky. Add 1 teaspoon additional water if dough is too dry. Do not over handle dough. Roll out dough between two sheets of parchment or wax paper. Peel off top paper and invert into a lightly greased pie dish. Peel off second sheet and fix crust edge.

In medium bowl, beat eggs slightly with wire whisk. Beat in remaining filling ingredients. Pour filling into pie plate. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch strip of foil to prevent excessive browning. Place pie plate on bottom oven rack. Bake 15 minutes at 425°F. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake about 45 minutes longer, removing foil during last 15 minutes of baking, until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 4 hours or until chilled.

While 1 in 100 individuals suffer from Celiac Disease, with many more suffering from gluten-intolerance, many families are learning they can easily create delicious, all-inclusive dishes for all their loved ones to enjoy. Gluten is present in almost all forms of traditional bread, baking mixes and baked goods, making holidays especially challenging for those with gluten-intolerance. But, planning an all-inclusive holiday menu can be done with simple substitutions. Pamela's Products baking mixes eliminate the stress of having to locate or create 'special' dishes or treats. For example, Pamela's Products Baking & Pancake Mix can be used to make biscuits, cookies, nut bread, loafs, cakes, muffins and other baked treats, and Pamela's Products Gluten-Free Bread Mix can be used to make an assortment of savory breads, rolls and pie crusts. And, don't forget the gravy, casseroles or anything that needs thickening...

Pamela's Products website has many new sweet and savory recipes that may tempt you for the Holidays or any day. Recipe variations and baking information may be found at www.pamelasproducts.com/recipe_frames.html. If you would like to skip baking altogether, Pamela's Products offers a delicious array of readymade cookies and cakes. Readymade chocolate cake, coffee cake and cheesecakes are the perfect ending to any decadent holiday bash.

Pamela Giusto-Sorrells, founder of Pamela's Products has appeared on NBC & ABC affiliates nationally, KRON and KTVK. Pamela's Products have been featured on the Today Show, The Doctors, in Gourmet Magazine, Woman's Day, Real Simple and many other outlets.

For additional information on Pamela's Products, please visit www.pamelasproducts.com. Media inquiries, please contact Agnes Gomes-Koizumi (agnes@ agkmedia.com) or Julie Du Brow (julie@dubroworks.com) at 323-937-5488 or 310-821-2463.

ABOUT PAMELA'S PRODUCTS
Pamela's Products (www.pamelasproducts.com) offers a complete line of Traditional Cookies, Organic Cookies, Biscotti, Simplebites Mini Cookies, Baking Mixes and Ready-to-Eat cakes. Award-winning, Pamela's Products can be found in natural food and grocery stores throughout North America and on the web at www.pamelasproducts.com. Setting the standard for great taste since 1988, Pamela's Products continues to create the most delicious wheat-free and gluten-free foods, with their Baking & Pancake Mix and Chocolate Brownie Mix consistently holding the #1 position in the entire Natural Foods category.

Pamela's Products are a tried-and-true staple for Celiacs. Celiac Disease is the world's most common autoimmune disease, with the only treatment today being a strict adherence to a diet devoid of gluten. Gluten is most commonly contained in wheat (durum, semolina, kamut, spelt), rye, barley and triticale. (For more complete information, please visit www.gluten.net, "About".) People with autism spectrum disorders, cancer, wheat allergies, alternative diets, and even those adhering to a Kosher or 'natural' diet, also frequently turn to Pamela's Products for satisfying that sweet tooth or simply for making bread or pancakes.

Holiday Party in New York City: All are Welcome!

Come celebrate the holidays with the NYC Celiac Disease Meetup group at a gluten-free happy hour at Heathers Bar. Get in the "spirit" ahead of time and enjoy the season! We'll be at Heather's Bar from 6pm-9pm; Happy hour is two-for-one well drinks, drafts, and wines. See you all there!

Heathers Bar serves both Redbridge and Bard's Gluten-Free Beers. They also have hard cider on a dedicated tap and mixed drinks.

You do not have to be a member to join us for this holiday party. All are welcome!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010
6pm

Heathers Bar
506 E. 13th Street
New York, NY 10009

Celiac Disease Center Online Survey

DO YOU HAVE CELIAC DISEASE OR GLUTEN SENSITIVITY?

The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University is conducting a study on the health and nutrition practices of people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. To join the study, we ask that you take a few minutes to fill out a survey. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

The study is for those 18 years or older only.

The survey can be found via the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K2VZ7ZC

Please do not enter any information that may identify you (such as your name, date of birth, address, or social security number). There is no compensation for participating in this study. If you have any questions about the study, please contact Dr. Tennyson or Dr. Green at 212-305-5590. If you have any questions about your rights as a research subject, please contact the IRB office at 212-305-5883.

The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center was established within the Department of Medicine at Columbia University in 2001. The Center's mission is to redefine the future of celiac disease and treatment through continuing advances in patient care, research, education and patient advocacy.

The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center is one of a few centers in the United States that provides comprehensive medical care, including nutritional counseling, for adult and pediatric patients with celiac disease. All of the Center's research is directed toward celiac disease clinical, epidemiology, and mechanisms of pathogenesis of celiac disease and patient and physician education

Christina A. Tennyson, M.D.
The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
180 Fort Washington Avenue, Suite 936
New York, New York 10032
Phone: (212) 342-4508

Gluten-Free Gifts for the Holidays

How cute are these gluten-free gifts?

You can buy these gifts and more for your favorite gluten-free person this holiday season. Visit the Gluten-Free Boutique today to place your order. Don't delay to ensure delivery before Christmas!

Click here to order from the Gluten-Free Boutique

Shabtai Gourmet Gluten-Free Bakery Wins!

Shabtai Gourmet Gluten-Free Bakery Wins Best New Kosher for Passover Product at Kosherfest's 2010 New Product Competition

Gluten-Free Yidels Devils Food Mini Chocolate Swiss Roll Wins Best new Passover Product at Kosherfest New Product Competition 2010. Shabtai Gourmet is a dedicated gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, soy free, lactose free, casein free, corn free, and kosher bakery. Shabtai ships his gluten-free sweets across the United States & Puerto Rico.

Woodmere, NY, October 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Shabtai Gourmet Gluten Free Bakery has just won the Kosherfest Best New Passover Product Competition for the 4th time. This time the winning item was their Gluten-Free Yidels Mini Swiss Chocolate Rolls. The judges couldn't stop raving about this new item when they first saw and tasted it - one judge said he devoured the sweet in 1 bite.

The super mini roll concept was developed by Shabtai while making sampler packs for the kosher, organic, and natural food trade shows. This new item from Shabtai Gourmet Gluten Free Bakery is not only gluten free, but also Dairy Free, Peanut Free, Lactose Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Certified Kosher & is also Certified Kosher for Passover. Retailers are dedicating more shelf space for Gluten Free Foods and allergen free foods sections in their stores. In fact dedicated Gluten Free Food Stores are popping up all over the country, and only carry gluten free products.

In past Years Shabtai Gourmet has won best new product with some of their other items, such as their Gluten Free Devils Food Ring Ting Cupcakes, Gluten Free Bell Ring Cakes, & their unforgettable Marzipan Sushi.

Some other delectable allergen friendly desserts baked by Shabtai are his: Gluten Free Honey Cakes, Gluten Free Rainbow Cookies, Gluten Free Flourless Chocolate Cakes, Gluten Free Jelly Rolls, Gluten Free Brownie Bites, Sponge Loaf Cakes & so much more.

Many of Shabtai's baked goods contain no-hydrogenated oils, no trans fats, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, are all natural, and baked with organic ingredients.

You can find Shabtai gourmet Gluten-Free baked goods at fine health food stores and supermarkets all year round. You can also purchase Shabtai Gluten-Free items at www.shabtai-gourmet.com or www.glutenfreemall.com.

You can use their store locator to find the nearest retail location to you at http://shabtai-gourmet.com/?page=locator

Look for Shabtai products at Wegmans, Shoprite, ACME, King Kullen, DAG NYC, Price Chopper, Hy-Vee, Woodmans, Mrs. Greens, Key Food, & Best Yet Markets. You can also find Shabtai Gluten Free Baked goods in select Bloomingdale's stores on the East Coast.

In the weeks prior & during the passover holidays you can find Shabtai Gourmet baked goods at over 35 Supermarket Chains throughout the country. Look for their Kosher for passover symbols listed on their packaging.

Shabtai Gourmet supports various celiac support groups all over the country. Contact them to get involved in your local gluten free event - www.shabtai-gourmet.com (516) 374-7976.

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The Essential Gluten-Free Grocery Guide

I got this email from Triumph Dining a few days ago. The Triumph Dining Essential Gluten-Free Grocery Guide is a perfect gift this holiday season.

Who’s cooking your Christmas dinner? If family members – or worse, in-laws – are cooking for you, how well do they really know the gluten-free diet?

Make sure they know how to make the table gluten-free by getting them a copy of The Essential Gluten-Free Grocery Guide. It’s the bestselling gluten-free grocery guide, trusted by thousands of gluten-free shoppers. Get a copy for your holiday host, and know that you (and your kids) will eat safely this Christmas.

Here are just a few ways the Grocery Guide can help you and your loved ones make the holidays gluten-free and less stressful:

1. 30,000 Gluten Free Groceries.
With 30,000 products listed, there are tons of options in any section of the grocery store. Find dozens of yogurts, hot dogs, cookies, salad dressings, and anything else you may need for your kitchen or holiday meal.

2. Get Comprehensive Coverage All in One Handy Guide.
The Grocery Guide is handy anywhere you shop. It has regional store brands covering all 50 states, mega-chains (like Wal-Mart), national brands (like Kraft and General Mills), and even small gluten-free brands, so you stay up to date with the latest products.

3. Learn Who’s Serious About Cross-Contamination.
We label brands that are dedicated gluten-free or, alternatively, have a higher risk of cross-contamination. We’re the only Grocery Guide that goes this extra mile, because we think it’s important information for making good decisions..

Try the Guide Now, Risk-Free (Plus Free Shipping!)
Order your copy of The Essential Gluten-Free Grocery Guide by Tuesday, December 7th and get free shipping! Our free shipping offers only come twice a year, so don't miss out. Getting your free shipping is as easy as 1-2-3:

Go to www.triumphdining.com to place your order now.
Add the new grocery guide (and anything else you want) to your cart.
In the shopping cart, enter coupon code SB868S2 and hit the “Apply” button.

Then continue on and complete your order!

Happy gluten-free shopping!

Ross Cohen
Founder and President

Silvana's Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie Countdown

I am excited to be a part of the Silvana's Dish Towel Diaries Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie Countdown. As you may know, Silvana Nardone is the author of Cooking for Isaiah and former founding editor-in-chief of Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. Silvana is filling December with delicious gluten-free cookie recipes and gift giveaways from her good food friends—and some of your favorite people on the planet! Gluten-Free Fun is thrilled to be included! I am partnering with Shabtai Gourmet for a gluten-free giveaway. Stay tuned!

Silvana's Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie Countdown 2010
http://www.dishtoweldiaries.com/whos-your-baker/

Each day, one baker will give away a cookie recipe and a gift to one lucky winner!

COOKIE COUNTDOWN GIVEAWAY RULES
1. WHEN TO ENTER: You can enter online for your chance to win all 31 gifts starting December 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. One entry, per person or email address per day.

2. HOW TO ENTER: No purchase necessary. To enter, post a comment on each cookie recipe post. One winner will be selected at random using Random.org’s True Random Number Generator from all eligible entrants for each cookie recipe post on or about January 4, 2011. The odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. The winners will be notified by email or by a comment on the cookie recipe post on or about January 18, 2011. If, for any reason, the Giveaway gift becomes unavailable, you will receive a gift of comparable value.

3. LIABILITY: By participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Giveaway Entities from and against any claim or cause of action arising from participation in the Giveaway or receipt or use of any gift.

4. PRIVACY POLICY: DishTowelDiaries.com values your privacy. Personal information provided by you will not be shared without your permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice.