New Gluten-Free Girl Scout Cookies: Yay!

For the 2015 cookie season, the Girl Scouts are offering two new gluten-free goodies, Toffee-tastic and Trios. Toffee-tastic is a buttery cookie with yummy toffee bits and Trios are peanut butter oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips. The gf cookies cost a dollar more than their non-gf cousins, but when everyone else is enjoying their Thin Mints and Samoas/Caramel deLites, it's amazing to be able to join in with your own tasty treat.

Toffee-tastic

Trios

Also new this year, the super helpful online cookie finder app. Just type in your location, or specific cookie, and the app will find the closest Girl Scout Cookie booth. It's the 98th year of Girl Scout Cookies and they just keep getting better and better!

Another Deal from NoGii!

Happy Cyber Monday! 

Enjoy this deal from NoGii Gluten-Free Protein Bars:

Black Friday NoGii Bars Deal!

Elisabeth Hasselbeck's gluten-free journey started in Australia while on the reality show "Survivor." While the rest of the cast was getting weaker and feeling worse on a limited diet, Elisabeth was feeling better the longer she was there. She found out later that she has celiac disease, so a diet of only rice and fish was actually helping to heal her gut.

Since her diagnosis, Elisabeth has been the golden girl of gluten-free eating, writing two bestsellers on the subject and starting a brand of protein bars and powder. NoGii bars and protein powder are a smart and delicious way to get your protein on the the go, without worrying that you're ingesting gluten. And because she wants to take care of people with celiac disease and others who can't consume gluten, she's offering us a Black Friday special.

Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms

 Stuffed Mushrooms are one of those dishes that seem like a really big deal, but are really very easy. A little bit of prep work, a little bit of cooking time...BIG payoff! I loved stuffed mushrooms before my Celiac diagnosis; I'm a little embarrassed that it took me this long to figure out that one little switch was all that was needed to make them gluten-free. I could have been eating this little delights for years! Oh, well. Chalk it up to gluten brain fog. Here's the recipe for you, whether you want to share them with your whole crew at Thanksgiving, or just make them and enjoy them all by yourself. I won't judge.

Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms
by KindaRealGlutenFreeFood

12 medium white mushrooms, cleaned
2 T. butter, margarine, olive oil (or a combo)
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup gluten-free bread crumbs
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped fine or 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
Salt and pepper
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pop the stems off the mushrooms. Cut off the very bottoms of the stems, then finely chop the rest.

Chopped mushroom stems, onions and garlic

3. Arrange mushroom caps stem side up on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. (You can also line it with foil, then spray.)

(these 'shrooms were huge, so I only used 6.)

4. In a medium saute pan, heat butter, margarine or oil over medium heat about 1 - 2 minutes.

5. Saute onions, garlic and mushroom stems until onions begin to get translucent.

6. Add bread crumbs and parsley. Cook until bread crumbs are thoroughly moistened. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
7. When slightly cooled, add Parmesan cheese and mix well.

8. Fill each mushroom cap with mixture, packing firmly.

9. Bake for about 20 minutes until top begins to brown and mushrooms release a small amount of liquid.

Okay, I know. It's not the prettiest thing. But trust me-it's delicious. And gluten-free! (And vegetarian.) You'll be the hit of Thanksgiving!

What's So Bad About Celiac Disease?

What's So Bad about Celiac Disease?

To the (woefully) uninformed, Celiac Disease is an eating disorder, fad or a way to drop a few pounds.  For those of us who have it, however, it can mean years of misdiagnosis and pain.

Have you ever had a version of this conversation in a restaurant?
You: Does this entree have gluten?
Server: I don't know. Does it matter?
You: Well, yes. Can you check with the chef?
Server: I'm pretty sure it's gluten-free.
You: Well, can you make sure, please?
Server: I guess. What's the worst that can happen? Aren't you just allergic? Can't you just take a Benadryl?

Just an allergy. We Celiacs love that. And malignant melanoma is just a skin condition.

But, going back - our brilliant server asked what was the worst that could happen. Well, here's a list, Buddy:

• abdominal pain 
• diarrhea, sometimes debilitating 
• embarrassing gas 
• painful mouth sores and skin rashes 
• incapacitating fatigue 
• bone and/or joint pain 
• headaches, sometimes migraine 
• "brain fog" 
• depression and/or anxiety 
• tingling and/or numbness of the extremities 
• seizures 
• missed menstrual periods 
• mood changes 

If Celiac Disease is undiagnosed, or if one continues to ingest gluten after diagnosis (even just a tiny little bit) the consequences can be serious. Long-term, CD patients may have certain cancers in their future, such as Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and small intestine cancers. Celiac Disease can leave patients susceptible to certain conditions, such as: osteopenia/osteoporosis; dental issues, like enamel and structure defects; infertility and/or miscarriage; birth defects; anemia; failure to thrive (children.)

People who have Celiac Disease have higher rates of other autoimmune disorders, especially: Thyroid disease

• Type 1 Diabetes 
• Lupus 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Sjogren's syndrome 
• Psoriasis 

So obviously, there's nothing here that a Benadryl is going to fix. People with Celiac Disease have to be diligent about what goes in their mouths, especially when dealing with the under-informed public. I'm sure you know your body, and your CD, better than anyone. If you don't feel like you can trust a restaurant, don't eat there! You don't have to make a scene, but a follow-up phone call may go a long way to helping that place get with the program in the future.

Interested in learning more about Celiac Disease and what it does to you, physically and mentally? Check out these articles:
Allergic Living: Celiac Disease's Toll on Your Teeth 
NFCA: Celiac Disease Related Conditions
Celiac.com: Malignancies in Celiac
Celiac Disease Foundation: "Brain Fog" 
NIH: Celiac Disease and Reproductive Problems

Just for fun: What's the most ridiculous thing you've heard when ordering at a restaurant, regarding your desire for Gluten-Free food? Comment below and we can all roll our eyes together. :)

Gluten-Free Peach and Raspberry Pie

It was the perfect dessert storm*: my husband had raspberries leftover from his batch of raspberry wheat beer and peaches were super cheap at Walmart (reduced to .88/lb.) All I needed was a crust and I was in business. 

Crust
1 6 oz. package Annie's Gluten-free SnickerDoodle cookies 
(or 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs)
2 T. butter or margarine, melted

Annie's GF SnickerDoodle Cookie crumbs

Filling
6-7 fresh peaches, cut into chunks
1 c fresh or frozen raspberries
1 t lemon juice
1/2 c sugar
2 T cornstarch

Cheap peaches and raspberries from my husband's raspberry patch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Crush the cookies (I used my trusty Magic Bullet), then mix with melted butter. Reserve about 2 tablespoons (for the top), and press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch pie plate. (I use the flat bottom of a measuring cup.) Bake in the preheated oven for 8 - 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Mix the peaches and raspberries in a large bowl. Drizzle lemon juice over the fruit. Add sugar and stir well. Sprinkle corn starch over mixture and stir. (If you're not ready to bake yet, refrigerate the fruit until you are.) Pour mixture onto crust, sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs and bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting.

Right out of the oven!

I've never been much of a pie baker, but this pie won raves from my non-GF family. I especially love the way the cinnamon in the cookies brought out the sweet flavor of the fruit.

*See what I did there? :)

A Gluten-Free Holiday: All I Want for Christmas is...Perky Villi

Two front teeth?  I'm okay there. Whiskers on kittens? Well, that would be great, but my husband would have a fit if we brought any more pets home. Bright copper kettles?  Well, maybe...

If you're in the market for thoughtful gift ideas for someone who has Celiac disease (or who must eat gluten-free) look no further. I've compiled a wish-list. And since I actually have Celiac, I should know, right?

In the Kitchen

For the newly diagnosed, it is imperative that they do a kitchen make-over. Most of their pots and pans, bowls and tools have been contaminated with gluten.  Yes, contaminated.  I know that sounds dramatic, but it's accurate.  Even long-time Celiacs, like myself, can use new stuff. Case in point: I was diagnosed with CD over 11 years ago, but recently I noticed that some of my symptoms were reappearing. I couldn't imagine what was going on: I'm always super-careful cooking at home, I constantly checked and re-checked ingredient lists and I was mindful of cross-contamination (and of course, I have a dedicated toaster.) It wasn't until I read Gluten-Free Cookware and Kitchen Utensils by Jane Anderson that I realized I needed to go shopping for some new kitchen items.  Many of these same items make very appreciated gifts.

Cutting Board

 

Since it's the scratches in cookware and surfaces that hide microscopic particles of gluten, it's only natural that their cutting board is likely harboring tons of the little buggers. And there's no real way to get rid of them. Be safe; get your GF loved-one a dedicated GF cutting board like this one.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Cutting Board

Rolling Pin

If their rolling pin was ever used to make non-GF pastry or cookies, it's time for a new rolling pin. Nothing says Happy Holidays like a fresh new rolling pin. 

Cooking Tools

New cooking tools make great stocking stuffers, like this GF bamboo set. 

Bread Machine 

If your GF loved one is tired of paying upwards of $5.00 for a loaf of mediocre gluten-free bread, it could be time for a bread machine. There are many out there, but the Zojirushi consistently wins raves among the GF community. It has a gluten-free cycle and great GF recipes in the included cookbook.

Books and Magazines

Great gluten-free recipes can be found everywhere - cookbooks, magazines and all over the internet. There are so many great gluten-free cookbooks on the market, here are a few fan favorites:

Gluten-Free on a Shoestring, Quick and Easy: 100 Recipes for the Food You Love--Fast! by Nicole Hunn

Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef: A Love Story with 100 Tempting Recipes by Daniel Ahern and Shauna James Ahern

Unbelievably Gluten-Free: 128 Delicious Recipes: Dinner Dishes You Never Thought You'd Be Able to Eat Again by Anne Byrn

And these magazines offer the very latest health reporting, along with delicious recipes and great tips. A subscription is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

• Easy Eats  (online only) 

 

• Simply Gluten-Free 

• Gluten-Free Living  

• Living Without  

• Delight Gluten-Free  

Clothes and Accessories

 Do your friends have a "Gluten for Punishment" apron? Does your baby have a "Please don't feed me gluten" onesie?

Gluten for Punishment Aprons by trishf429
See more Celiac Aprons at zazzle.com

     

Please don't feed me gluten! t-shirts by trishf429
View other Gluten T-Shirts

Food and Drink

You can never go wrong with an edible present. If you eat gluten-free yourself and are confident in your skills, by all means, prepare your famous GF casserole or cookies and give that as a gift, along with a recipe card. If, however, you're afraid of "glutening" your friend or loved one, there are alternatives.  Many large grocery stores and health food stores have excellent gluten-free food selections. Gift baskets are always appreciated. Some suggestions:

A snack attack bowl - fill a bright plastic bowl with a variety of GF chips, cookies, candies and fun flavored sodas.

A tour of Italy - pile packages of GF pasta, olive oil, grated cheese and a jar of pasta sauce in a shiny new (read: uncontaminated) colander. 

If you don't think your gift basket skills are up to par, there are certainly companies that would be happy to make them and send them for you. I Can Have That! and Gourmet Gift Baskets are just two.

I Can Have That! The Nosh basket

Finally, if your gluten-free friends were beer drinkers once upon a time, I have a great gift idea for you. And believe me, I don't think anyone else is going to come up with this one. Present your GF pal with a 6-pack of flavorful GF beer and you'll have a BFF for life.

This is a list of the best gluten-free beers on the market, according to Bon Appetit  and Men's Fitness magazines.

 

• The Alchemist: Celia Saison
• Bard's
• Green's Endeavor Dubbel Ale
• Estrella Damm: Daura
• Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales: Tweason'ale
• Omission Beer: Lager
• Harvester Fresh Hop IPA
• New Planet Pale Ale
• Lakefront Brewery New Grist

 So there you have it - KindaReal's holiday gift idea list. I hope you find something for all the Celiacs on your list. I mean, we deserve it, don't you think? 

Happy shopping! :)

Gluten Free Fridays Recipe Link-up!

What a great idea!  Every Friday, the fine ladies at Vegetarian Mamma, Gluten Free R. D. and Eat.Live.Make host a Gluten Free Recipe Link-up party, inviting everyone to post their favorite GF recipes.  Last week, they posted over 100 awesomely creative GF recipes.  Check it out!  I just put my Gluten Free Reduced Sugar Oatmeal Peach Crisp recipe there...yum!

Happy Gluten-Free Thanksgiving!

It's almost that time again...time to gather with your family to cook your head off, eat until you're bursting and give thanks for all that you have.  Since there are so many incredible gluten-free bloggers out there (and since I'm kind of lazy), I'm going to bring you the best of the best gluten-free recipes.  I am thankful for all of these talented people who generously offer their best all the time.

The ever-amazing pair, The Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef, have lots of great recipes and ideas for a tasty Turkey Day.  Try their savory gluten-free stuffing and dinner rolls.

Gluten Freeda's Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a perfect appetizer or side dish.

Gluten Free Mommy's take on Green Bean Casserole is sure to please everyone at the table, even gluten-eaters!

Photo of Chestnuts with Brussel Sprouts courtesy elanaspantry.com

Try The Gluten-Free Homemaker's Sweet Potato Casserole and Elana's Pantry's Chestnuts with Brussel Sprouts for some scrumptious side dishes.

Gluten Free Frenzy has these yummy Maple Sugar Cookies and Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free's Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake is gluten-free and sugar free.

Sugar Free Pumpkin Cheesecake by Simply Sugar and Gluten Free

The esteemed Cybele Pascal shares her Sweet Potato Pie recipe on Martha Stewart's Whole Living, which is not only gluten-free, but vegan, too.  My buddy Jules, of Jules Gluten Free flour, offers this fun and informative Crash Course of a Gluten-Free Thanksgiving and Karina, the Gluten-Free Goddess, has lots of wonderful tips for having a safe, gf Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!  Enjoy all the blessings this time of the year has to offer.  And thank YOU for reading!

A Gluten-Free Book Primer: What to Read When You're First Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

There are a ton of books out there on living gluten free.  Most of them are pretty great, but there are a few you really should have in your collection.  Here’s my book list:

In the beginning…

Living Gluten Free for Dummies by Danna Korn

Like most Dummies books, this one gives great information, in easy to digest (no pun intended) pieces.  You’ll learn the science of Celiac disease and lots of practical advice on living the GF life.  Perfect for newbies.

The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Jules E. Dowler Shepard

This is definitely the book for you if you’re looking for someone who’s been there to teach you the ropes.  Jules (of the now-famous Jules Gluten Free Flour Mix) refers to herself as a “patient-expert”, after having been through the medical merry-go-round of diagnosis and a sickening (literally) year of trial and error.

Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic by Peter H. R. Green, M.D. and Rory Jones.  Dr. Green is director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.  A comprehensive, easy-to-read book on all the aspects of celiac disease.

Gluten-Free Girl: How I Found the Food that Loves Me Back…and How You Can, Too by Shauna James Ahern

The very inspiring story of blogger Shauna James Ahern (who is somewhat of a hero in the gluten free world.) 

Ready to dig a little deeper?

The Gluten Connection:  How Gluten Sensitivity May Be Sabotaging Your Health – And What You Can Do To Take Control Now by Dr. Shari Lieberman

The title pretty much says it all. 

Cookbooks

Any Celiac worth her salt (pun intended) needs a good arsenal of GF cookbooks.  Here are some great ones:

The Gluten Free Gourmet Cooks Comfort Foods:  Creating Old Favorites with the New Flours by Bette Hagman

Bette is the Queen Mum of GF baking.  Any of her books are worthy of a place on your bookshelf. 

Nearly Normal Cooking for Gluten-Free Eating:  A Fresh Approach to Living and Cooking without Wheat or Gluten by Jules E.D. Shepard

If Bette is the Queen Mum of GF baking, then Jules is the Princess.  There are some great treats in here: delicious cut-out cookies, light and fluffy rolls and breadsticks (yes, I said light and fluffy) and 2 recipes for peanut butter cookies.

Gluten Free Everyday Cookbook: More than 100 Easy and Delicious Recipes from the Gluten Free Chef by Robert Landolphi

Not only are there great recipes in this cookbook, but it is also chock-full of invaluable cooking tips.

BabyCakes: Vegan, (mostly)Gluten-Free, and (mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes from New York’s Most Talked-About Bakery by Erin McKenna

BabyCakes bakery has taken Manhattan by storm, and now there’s a cookbook to help us replicate the goodies from this wildly popular GF bakery.

Magazines

Did you know that there are magazines just for us?  Living Without is a “Lifestyle guide for people with allergies and food sensitivities” and Gluten-Free Living is written by and for celiacs.

So, there you have it...my short and sweet list of Must-Have GF books.  Do you have any favorites?  Let me know!