Trader Joe's

Nestled among the "normal" food on Trader Joe's shelves are lots and lots of gluten free goodies. You just have to know where to look. Actually, all you have to do is pick up their Gluten Free Food list (or go here: http://traderjoes.com/Attachments/NoGluten.pdf.) There are TONS of GF items on this list, from (my favorite) Meringue cookies to Envirokids cereals to pancakes.

If you've never been to a Trader Joe's, you're in for a happy surprise. Joe's is like a party on a boat in a grocery store. (Does that make any sense?) There's a cool vibe there, and every one of their Hawaiian-shirt clad employees is always more than happy to help out. The ready-made food is fresh and fantastic (try the 7-layer dip) and there are lots of organic offerings. Go say hi to Joe - you'll be glad you did.

I Heart Jimmy John's

Every once in a while, somebody does something for you that just touches you and makes your heart swell with gratitude.  That's how I feel about Jimmy John's.

 Now wait...before you click that X and close me, hear me out.  Jimmy John's, a super cool über sandwich shop with the fastest delivery you ever saw, has on their menu the "unwich".

 Every one of their hearty 17+ sandwich offerings can be wrapped in lettuce instead of made on bread.  So while your friends are all enjoying their Bootlegger Club or Big John sandwiches, you can join them (instead of being stuck eating chips and feeling sorry for yourself.) And their "freaky fast" delivery is just that, and more.  Check them out...www.jimmyjohns.com...you'll heart them, too!

Still Waiting for a Bagel?

When was the last time you had a good bagel? I mean, a really good bagel? Probably before your Celiac diagnosis, right? Well, I think I've found it.

Glutino Premium Bagels. They come refrigerated, 5 in a bag. You can get Plain, Sesame (my personal favorite), Poppyseed or Cinnamon-Raisin. You can buy them online (glutenfree.com) or at stores like Wegmans, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's (sometimes). They run about 6.99 for a package of 5. Steep, yes, but you know what? Entirely worth it. The label says "best toasted" and they're right. Lightly toasted with some cream cheese or butter...ahhh, it might just take you back to your pre-GF days. Minus all the stomach issues, etc.

Gluten Free Registry

www.glutenfreeregistry.com

Have you seen this, my GF friends? Click on the map and it will show you a listing of GF restaurants or places that have GF offerings. So cool! Obviously, not every place and every item is listed, but still, it's a great start. For instance, I just learned that Basically Burgers in Doylestown, PA offers GF hamburger buns. Woooo! Be sure to read customers' comments. They are very helpful.

Beer...at last!

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year came from my 22 year old son (he of Every Day Constant Blog.)  A six pack of Redbridge Beer from Anheuser-Busch.  It has been 7 long years since I've had a beer and, even though I wasn't much of a beer drinker before, sometimes only a beer will do.  You know?  It's hard to play beer pong or quarters with...well...anything other than beer.  

Redbridge is made from sorghum; no malt or barley.  Somehow, though, it tastes just like I remember beer tasting like.  It was exactly what a beer should be:  BEERY.  No weirdo flavors.  Just beer.  Super drinkable.  It is well-priced, but it may be a little hard to find.  (Sonny D found his at The Foodery in Philly.)  If you can't find it, try www.redbridgebeer.com.  And tell Anheuser-Busch Thank You - for keeping us poor, thirsty GFers in mind!

Redbridge has inspired my DH, who is an amateur brewer, to try his hand at making a GF beer.  I'll keep you updated on his success.

The Best-Ever Gluten Free Brownies

This is my very own recipe. I think you're going to love it!


Trishydee's Unbelievable GF Brownies

4 squares Unsweetened Chocolate (I like Baker's)
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup rice or tapioca flour
1 cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts (my fave), pecans or walnuts (opt.)


PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Grease foil or spray with cooking spray.

MICROWAVE chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add flour and nuts; mix well. Spread into prepared pan.

BAKE about 30 min. or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. (Do not overbake.) Cool in pan on wire rack. Frost with Chocolate Frosting (below.)

Remove brownies from pan, using foil handles. Cut into squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

Chocolate Frosting

2 squares Unsweetened Chocolate
1/4 stick butter or margarine, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T. milk
2 T. chopped nuts (opt.)

MELT chocolate in microwave in 30 sec. increments, stirring after each; set aside.
BEAT butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add about half of the sugar, beating on low speed after each addition until well blended. Add chocolate and vanilla; mix well.
ADD remaining sugar alternately with the milk, beating until well blended after each addition. Add more milk to thin as desired.
SPRINKLE with chopped nuts.

Craving Take-out Pizza?

Have you tried Mom's Bake-at-Home Pizza yet?  Only available in and around Philly and its suburbs, Mom's is the next best thing to good ol' Gluten Full Take out.  With plenty of toppings and a nice, crispy (rice) crust.

www.momsbakeathome.com

As the name implies, you order your pizza, pick it up, bring it home and - yes - bake it.  

Rice Chex is Gluten Free

Woohoo!

General Mills Rice Chex is officially GF!  It even says it on the box!  They've reformulated their recipe and instead of using barley malt (unsafe), they are flavoring with molasses (safe).  

Check out www.chex.com/Recipes/CategoryView.aspx?CategoryId=477 for some awesome GF recipes with Rice Chex.  (Remember Chex Mix?  Muddy Muddies?  Mmmm!)

Thank you, General Mills!  You rock!!!

Eating Gluten Free sucks. I know it. You know it. Let's not fool ourselves. It doesn't have to be the end of happy eating forever, though. Together, let's share what we know about what's GF and good and what's, well...not.

Let's start with Granola bars. Why? I don't know...I guess because they're on my mind and it's my blog. :)

Were you aware, my GF friends, that Nature Valley Granola Bars--yes, the very same Nature Valley Granola Bars you can buy in the grocery store, are gluten free? (Well, some varieties, anyway.)

These are incredibly tasty and satisfying:

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars in Roasted Almond

Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch in Almond, Peanut

Do you have any favorites? Let me know!