Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Baking & Pancake Mix Giveaway AND Gluten Free Pumpkin Gnocchi with Browned Sage Butter Recipe

If you have been following me on Gluten Free Taste of Home for a while you have probably figured out that I use Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Baking & Pancake Mix... a lot. I have no need to make everything completely from scratch. I am a passenger on the "semi-homemade" train... next stop, a quick delicious home cooked meal. Pamela's mixes make baking delicious treats faster and easier, without sacrificing taste or texture. In my opinion the recipes I make with Pamela's mixes come out more delicious than when I used to bake with wheat flour!


Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Wheat Free Baking and Pancake Mix is a gluten free cook's best friend in the kitchen; I substitute it in nearly every recipe I make that calls for flour (including the recipe I am sharing today)... and you know what? It works! It doesn't just kind of work, it exceeds expectations and brings a moist, delicate, texture to your baking that will leave you smiling. The good folks at Pamela's Products know I am a fan, so they asked if I would like to sample a few other Pamela's Gluten Free products that I had never tasted. I had been meaning to try Pamela's Gluten Free Classic Vanilla Cake Mix and also the Pamela's Gluten Free Cornbread and Muffin Mix... here was my chance! As with every other Pamela's mix I have ever tried, these produced baked goods with a perfect texture, and a moist crumb (not to mention they tasted FABULOUS!).


Want to try a bag of Pamela's Gluten Free Baking & Pancake Mix for yourself? Pamela's Products has generously offered to GIVEAWAY a bag to (1) of my lucky readers. To enter visit the Pamela's Products website and leave me a comment at the end of this post telling me the two Pamela's products you would most like to try.

BONUS ENTRIES:

1) Subscribe to my Freebie Fairy blog by e-mail or reader.

2) Become a follower of my Freebie Fairy blog.

3) Grab my Freebie Fairy button and display it on your website/blog (copy the html code for my button from the sidebar of my Freebie Fairy website and paste the code into your website).

4) Get (5) bonus entries if you: Blog about this giveaway linking it back to my Gluten Free Taste of Home website. PLEASE LEAVE ME THE LINK TO YOUR POST WITH YOUR ENTRY or it will not count.

5) Follow me on Twitter and tweet the giveaway.

Giveaway ends November 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.s.t. Open to US & Canada.















And now I present you with a recipe for Gluten Free Gnocchi with Browned Sage Butter. I found this recipe on my Foodbuzz friend Jessica's How Sweet It Is blog, and I instantly KNEW I had to make it. The recipe called for wheat flour. NO problem! I knew that Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix would offer a flawless substitution. Friends, this dish was so good that my kids and hubby are still talking about it a week later. If you don't have fresh sage on hand to top the tender Gluten Free Pumpkin Gnocchi by all means omit it, and simply top with the butter and Parmesan cheese. Either way, this is a unique Autumn dish that you are not likely to forget anytime soon once you taste it!



Gluten Free Pumpkin Gnocchi with Browned Sage Butter (Pumpkin Dumplings)

2 cups Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Baking & Pancake Mix

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

1 stick butter

2 tablespoons fresh chopped sage leaves

1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Using your hands, mix together Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Baking & Pancake Mix, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree to form a dough. If it is too sticky, add a bit more Pamela's Baking Mix, mixing thoroughly with your hands. Break off 1/5 of the dough and roll into a long, even strip on a non-stick surface. Cut gnocchi into desired size with a sharp knife. Press your thumb into the back of each gnocchi, while simultaneously indenting the other side with the tines of a fork, using a rolling motion. Each dumpling should have a dent on one side (from your thumb), and grooves on the other (from the back side of the fork tines), yet not be flattened. The dents and grooves help hold butter and sauce on the gnocchi.

Boil a large pot of water and salt liberally. When the water begins to boil prepare the browned sage butter.

To prepare the browned sage butter: melt the stick of butter in a skillet over low heat. When butter has melted add the sage. Increase heat to medium, stirring constantly until butter just begins to brown (barely brown, not burnt!). Remove skillet from the heat and set aside.

Boil the gnocchi until it floats, about 3 minutes. Drain. Turn gnocchi out onto a serving platter or pasta platter. Sprinkle shredded parmesan over the hot gnocchi and evenly pour the hot browned sage butter over all. Serve immediately with a dish of extra shredded parmesan for topping gnocchi if desired. Yield: 3-4 servings

Check out these other yummy Gluten Free Taste of Home recipes using Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate baking & Pancake Mix:

Gluten Free Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts:

http://glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/2009/10/gluten-free-frosted-pumpkin-doughnuts.html

Gluten Free Country Style Eggs Benedict with Asparagus and Drop Biscuits:

http://glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/2009/09/country-style-eggs-benedict-with.html

Gluten Free Cherry Muffins - Two Variations

http://glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/2009/07/cherry-muffins-two-variationsgluten.html

Gluten Free Cherry Chocolate Cookie Tart

http://glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/2009/08/cherry-chocolate-cookie-tart-gluten.html

Gluten Free Chocolate Cobbler

http://glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/2009/05/chocolate-cobbler-gluten-free-warm.html

Gluten Free Blackberry Blueberry Crumb Pie

http://glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/2009/09/blackberry-blueberry-crumb-pie-gluten.html

Gluten Free Unbelievably Good Cake Doughnuts

http://glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/2009/05/unbelievably-good-cake-doughnuts-just.html

Enjoy!

IMPORTANT! Recipe Revision - Gluten Free Glazed Orange Almond Cake

Hi Everyone!

There were some key ingredients missing from my recipe for Gluten Free Glazed Orange Almond Cake, originally posted on Wednesday, October 21. Somehow I overlooked the ingredients listed on the first page of my recipe when typing it! I have since revised the recipe and all is well. :) My sincere apologies to anyone who attempted to make the cake with the missing ingredients... hopefully I caught it in time.

Thanks to M~ for bringing this to my attention. ;-)

Gluten Free Vegetarian Probiotic Supplements - Ultra Jarro-Dophilus Review

As you know, finding gluten free, vegetarian supplements can be challenging. In my search for a gluten free, vegetarian, probiotic I was lucky to find Ultra Jarro-Dophilus. Jarrow Formulas were nice enough to send me a bottle to review so I could share the news with my readers.

The benefits of taking probiotics are said to be many, but for individuals with Celiac Disease probiotics have been deemed especially helpful. This article on Celiac.com describes medical research that suggests gut healing capabilities for Celiacs using probiotics while following a gluten free diet.

What does Ultra Jarro-Dophilus® do?

According to Jarrow Formulas, the maker of Ultra Jarro-Dophilus: "Jarrow FORMULAS® ULTRA Jarro-Dophilus®  is especially designed to maintain, protect and restore intestinal flora.* The probiotic bacteria are combined with a gel forming matrix that helps protect them during transit through the stomach.* Each capsule contains 40 billion total probiotic bacteria."

Here's a complete list of the beneficial bacteria in each botle of Ultra Jarro-Dophilus:

Other Ingredients:

Sodium alginate, rice maltodextrin, tapioca starch, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), silicon dioxide, vitamin C and tricalcium phosphate. Vegetarian capsule consists of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.

Contains: Dairy (milk) and soy (in trace amounts).
No wheat, no gluten, no egg, no fish/shellfish, no peanuts/tree nuts.

Pretty impressive, don't you think? I like knowing that all of those gut loving bacteria are hard at work for my family! I will definitely stick with the Ultra Jarro-Dophilus probiotics. They meet the needs of every member of my family just perfectly.

If you would like to learn more or find out where you can purchase a bottle of Ultra Jarro-Dophilus visit http://www.jarrow.com.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Gluten Free Glazed Orange Almond Cake

My super-moist Gluten Free Glazed Orange Almond Cake recipe will have your family lining up for seconds. This cake tastes as good as it looks. The orange flavor really comes through and works well with the subtle almond undertones. This has none of the stereotypical gluten free cake issues... it is as delicious (if not more delicious) than most cakes containing gluten. It may very well be the moistest cake you have ever had! It's texture is wonderful and very similar to banana bread.



When you try my Gluten Free Glazed Orange Almond Cake you will find that it makes a great brunch offering, as well as a snack or dessert. Try a slice (or two!) with a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee... so comforting!

Gluten Free Glazed Orange Almond Cake

8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs at room temperature

1/2 cup almond meal

1/4 cup brown rice flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/2 cup "cake friendly"gluten free flour blend (I use Bette Hagman's Featherlight Blend flour recipe)

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 ounces buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I recommend Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract) 

3 ounces orange juice (fresh is best)

Zest from 2 oranges

Orange Syrup

1/4 sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (I recommend Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract)

Orange Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon orange juice (fresh is best)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour (gluten free flour, of course!) a loaf pan.

Combine buttermilk, orange juice, and vanilla in a small bowl and set aside.

Combine flours, almond meal, xanthan gum, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set the dry ingredient mixture aside.

In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter with an electric mixture until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add the orange zest. Alternate adding wet and dry ingredient mixtures to creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour.

Pour batter into loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove cake from oven and let stand 10 minutes in the pan on a cooling rack. Remove cake

from pan and let cool an additional 5 minutes on the rack. Meanwhile, prepare the orange syrup.

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, and vanilla. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens, about 3 minutes. Spoon the syrup on top of the warm cake.

When you are ready to serve, in a small bowl mix 1 tablespoon of orange juice with the powdered sugar to from an orange glaze. Drizzle orange glaze on the cake.

*Recipe adapted from Ina Garten

Enjoy!

Gluten Free So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt, Kefir, Ice Cream, & Beverage

Coconut... oh the possibilities! Not just for dessert anymore, coconut is fast becoming a favorite food of health conscious consumers everywhere. A natural foods company by the name of Turtle Mountain offers So Delicious Coconut Milk products. Their unique product line of coconut milk products includes yogurt, kefir, ice cream and beverages that are gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and vegan.


I had the pleasure (and yes, it was truly a pleasure!) to sample some fantastic coconut milk products courtesy of Turtle Mountain, so I could share my opinion of them with you. I was more than interested in reviewing these products... I couldn't wait! I have been trying to cut down on my dairy intake, and was hoping that the So Delicious Coconut Milk products would help me do that.





The first product I tried was the So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt. It was smooth and creamy, and had all of the flavor and texture you would expect to find in yogurt, but with no gluten, dairy, soy or animal products (some companies put gelatin in their yogurt!). I love the health benefits of yogurt... the live active cultures it contains are so good for us! I was happy to find a way to reap those benefits and add additional benefits from the coconut.


So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt is available in Plain, Blueberry, Raspberry, Vanilla, Strawberry Banana, Passionate Mango, Pina Colada, Strawberry, and Chocolate. I have tried all but the chocolate (which they don't carry near my home), and I think they taste wonderful. My favorites are the Passionate Mango, Pina Colada, and Raspberry.


Turtle Mountain has this to say regarding the health benefits of coconut:

"For centuries coconut has been a staple for cultures around the world. Tradition attributes healing and life-giving properties to the coconut, which is why the palm is often called, "Tree of Life". In Western society, the health benefits of coconuts are just beginning to be understood. The mystery appears to be in the type of fats found in coconut milk, namely Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA). MCFA's such as lauric and capric acid are recognized for their anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike long chain fatty acids, which are stored in the body as fat, MFCA's are utilized as energy in the body."


I have always loved coconut... now I can actually feel good about eating it!

Chock full probiotics, So Delicious Coconut Milk Kefir is now a staple in my refrigerator. Kefir is basically a drinkable yogurt, usually made from cows milk. Now we can have gluten free, dairy free, vegan, kefir that tastes great and offers a great number of health benefits.

Check this out...

So Delicious Coconut Milk Kefir:

Enhances the immune system

Stimulates digestion

Controls the spread of harmful yeast overgrowth

Lowers cholesterol

Protest against cancer

Because the So Delicious Coconut Milk Kefir is also rich in medium chain fatty acids (MFCA's) it:

Protects against heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative diseases

Helps those with digestive diseases

Provides energy to the body instead of being stored as fat

Offers anti-viral/anti-microbial properties that strengthen the immune system and enhance intestinal health

Gluten Free, naturally cholesterol free, soy free, and dairy free So Delicious Coconut Milk Kefir is available in original, vanilla and strawberry. I prefer the strawberry for drinking straight, and use the Vanilla and plain in smoothies.

Of all of the coconut products that my family tried, the So Delicious Coconut Milk Cookie Dough Ice Cream created the most excitement. It is GLUTEN FREE (when was the last time you had cookie dough ice cream??), dairy free and soy free. My kids and I nearly cried tears of joy when we were eating this. I adored watching my 7 year old who has Celiac Disease dance around the kitchen after taking her first bite of gluten free cookie dough ice cream since her Celiac Disease diagnosis, 2 years ago.

So Delicious Coconut Milk Ice cream comes in 8 rich and decadent gluten free flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Mocha almond Fudge, and Passionate Mango. All are made with organic coconut milk instead of dairy or soy milk, and contain fewer calories, less sugar and even less fat than most super premium ice creams. All of that and gluten free to boot! Yippee!!

I have been thrilled with the So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage! I no longer use cows milk in my cereal, and have also started using it with great success in many baked goods recipes that call for milk. This is the perfect option for people who are dairy free, soy free, and vegan. it has a smooth, naturally rich and creamy taste, with out tasting overwhelmingly like coconut.

I was amazed at the versatility and neutral flavor of the So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage. I have tried nearly every cow's milk alternative on the market and this is my favorite without a doubt. It comes in Plain, Vanilla, and Unsweetened flavors. I drink the Unsweetened, but have also tried and enjoyed the Plain flavor.

So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage is made with organic coconut milk and fortified with essential nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Vitamin B-12. the beverage is also naturally cholesterol free and contains no gluten , soy, or dairy, making this a fabulous choice of a milk alternative!

Turtle Mountain is proud to offer healthy, delicious foods dairy free foods made from coconut. they also know the importance of giving back. Turtle Mountain is dedicated to giving back to the environment. As a sponsor of the Sea Turtle Restoration Project (STRP) they provide much needed funds to help save the shrinking habitat of sea turtles.

Ready to go Coconut? You can find Turtle Mountain's extensive line of So Delicious Coconut Milk products at Whole Foods and other natural food retailers.

Gluten Free Coconut Spinach Soup

My Gluten Free Coconut Spinach Soup reminds me of my visit to Thailand, where I ate coconut soup nearly every day (yum!). To me, the magical combination of coconut and lime is like paradise on a spoon.

My quick to prepare version of this South East Asian classic is a real treat, and has a mild flavor that even children will enjoy. Because it uses mainly pantry items, you can stock up on the ingredients and enjoy it anytime. Every bite is sure to put a smile on your face! It makes a perfect light meal, or a winning side dish.

Gluten Free Coconut Spinach Soup

2 tbsp. vegetable or peanut oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 oz. can diced green chilies

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. coriander

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

2 1/2 cups vegetable broth

2 1/2 cups coconut milk

1 lb. fresh baby spinach leaves

Juice of 1/2 lime

Salt

Coconut, toasted, for garnish (optional)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or stockpot. Add the onion, garlic, and chilies and cook gently for about 4 minutes. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger then add the broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer the soup for about 10 minutes.

Stir in the spinach and cook for about 2 minutes or until the leaves wilt. Stir in the lime juice and salt to taste. Heat gently for a few seconds, if necessary, and ladle into soup bowls. Top with toasted coconut , if using, and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings

*Recipe adapted from 500 Soups

*For more gluten free meal ideas visit the Gluten Free Homemaker and check out the "What Can I Eat That's Gluten Free?" page.

Enjoy!

Gluten Free Can Do Kid Protein Bars - Review

Gluten free protein bars for kids? Yes, and they are all natural and SUPER tasty! Can Do Kid Bars are available in 3 kid (and Mom!) approved flavors: Chocolate Crunch, Cookies & Cream, and CAN-illa Vanilla.



When the folks at Can Do Kid sent me their bars to sample and review, I must admit I was skeptical. In my experience, gluten free bars for kids offer little nutrition, while bars created for adults are either too high in protein for a kid or do not come in flavors that appeal to kids. What a surprise to find that Can Do Kid Bars taste great and offer 9 grams of protein, and 7 essential vitamins and minerals. A bonus is that Can Do Kid Bars contain no high-fructose corn syrup or trans fat.

My kids took a liking to them from the first bite, and well... so did I. :) All of us grab one for a quick snack on the go. Can Do Kid Bars also make regular appearances in my children's lunch boxes and backpacks school snacks. I keep one in my purse for those crazy days when I forget to stop and eat lunch.

One of my kids prefers the CAN-illa Vanilla flavor, while the other two are partial to the Chocolate Crunch. The solution? We buy a 15 count case of each flavor and everyone is happy. You can purchase Can Do Kid Bars at REI, Whole Foods Market, 7-Eleven, independent grocers, and online at Amazon.com or www.iamacandokid.com .

Another cool thing about Can Do Kid is the positive message they send to children. Can Do Kid sells children's books that communicate the Can Do Kid spirit - I Can Do Anything! and I AM Happy Just the Way I AM. Visit www.iamacandokid.com for more information.

Gluten Free South Western Quiche

Quiche is a winner in my house day or night. I love the versatility of quiche. You can add nearly anything you want inside with delicious results. My Gluten Free South Western Quiche makes the most of your Autumn harvest. If you have garden fresh corn and vine ripened tomatoes from your garden on hand, by all means use them. I hope you enjoy this warm, satisfying quiche as much as I do.

Gluten Free South Western Quiche

1 cup milk
4 eggs
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or 1 tablespoon dried cilantro
1/2 teaspoon chili powder,
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup fresh OR thawed frozen corn OR drained canned corn
1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 inch glass pie plate with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, stir all ingredients except corn, cheese, and tomato until blended. Stir in corn, cheese, and tomato; pour into pie plate.

Bake 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 6 servings

*Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker

Enjoy!

Giveaway Winner - Nature's Path Gluten Free Cereals

The winner of the Nature's Path Gluten Free Cereals is:

*Chandice*

Congratulations Chandice! I am e-mailing you now. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Special thanks to Nature's Path for sponsoring this giveaway.

Cinde's Gluten Free Spotlight - Light Life Tempeh & Odwalla Wholly Grains Tropical Smoothie - Gluten Free

I am so thrilled every time I discover a new gluten free product that actually tastes good! Today I am featuring two new healthy and delicious gluten free foods.

Light Life Gluten Free Tempeh

AND

Odwalla Wholly Grains Gluten Free Smoothie

Let's start with the Light Life Tempeh. Here's the situation friends... I am a vegetarian with a tofu aversion. The protein choices for someone in my predicament are pretty slim, especially if you are also following a gluten free diet! Nearly every meat substitute on the market contains wheat starch. Because the texture of tofu gives me the willies, I am limited to cheese (animal rennet free), eggs, nuts and nut butters, plant based protein powders and Amy's Gluten Free-Vegetarian Bistro Burgers.


I had heard of tempeh.... but because it was a soy product my tofu antennae went up. I figured they had to be the same texture so I avoided tempeh. Light Life was kind enough to send me some coupons for their gluten free tempeh. It is quite possibly the only way I would have ever tried it.

Boy, was I ever wrong about tempeh! It tasted NOTHING like tofu! Totally different texture and flavor. Tempeh actually has texture, which you have to chew (yeah!). It is not slimy at all. It does not taste strange in any way. In fact, it is actually delicious! The true test? When I sliced up some Light Life Tempeh and sauteed it in a little olive oil and Gluten free Tamari sauce. My 12 year old came barreling in the kitchen saying "Ummm... what's that good smell?" When I told him it was tempeh I got a puzzled glance. All of that changed at dinner time. My two oldest children each took seconds. My 7 year old was tempeh shy... but who could blame her? I only ate hot dogs and Bumble Bee Tuna (yes, it had to be Bumble Bee) for two years straight when I was that age. According to the prophesies of my Mother when I was but a lass, I should be a 42 year old hot dog right now. ;-) Thank goodness Moms aren't always right!

Light Life only uses natural ingredients in their tempeh. Check this out:

"Tempeh is a wonderful soy food, rich in protein and B vitamins, low in calories and fat and is completely free of any cholesterol. Mild in flavor and easy to digest, tempeh is a great meat substitute in any meal. We use organically grown soybeans in all of our tempeh. All of our tempeh products are Kosher and Pareve. Organic Garden Veggie Tempeh gives you a fresh, garden taste."

Want to see what's in it?

Nutrition Facts
Per Single Serving
Serving Size 4oz. (113g)
Nutrition:
Amount per Serving
Percentage Daily Value
Calories
240

Calories from Fat
90

Fat, g
10
15%
Saturated Fat, g
1.5
8%
Trans Fatty Acids, g*
0

Polyunsaturated Fat, g*
5

Monounsaturated Fat, g*
3

Cholesterol, mg
0
0%
Sodium, mg
10
0%
Potassium, mg*
300
9%
Carbohydrate, g
17
6%
Fiber, g
10
40%
Sugars, g
1

Protein, g
19
38%
Vitamin A, %

0%
Vitamin C, %

0%
Calcium, %

10%
Iron, %

15%

Ingredients
CULTURED ORGANIC SOYBEANS, WATER, ORGANIC CARROTS, LACTIC ACID (FROM PLANT SOURCES), ORGANIC RED & GREEN PEPPERS, ORGANIC ONIONS, YEAST EXTRACT, ORGANIC CELERY SEED, ORGANIC BROWN RICE.

Impressive, huh?

You can purchase Light Life Tempeh at natural markets in the following gluten free flavors:

Organic Soy Tempeh, Organic Garden Veggie Tempeh, Organic Flax Tempeh, and Organic Wild Rice Tempeh. (I am partial to the Wild Rice and Veggie Tempeh).

Now lets talk smoothies.

Odwalla has been a strong presence in the smoothie world for many years. It was pretty cool of them to develop a tropical fruit juice smoothie that contains gluten free whole grains (from brown rice). With two-thirds of the recommended daily intake of essential vitamins you need, Odwalla is a healthful choice a a light breakfast, lunch, or afternoon snack. The gluten free Odwalla Wholly Grains Tropical Medley Smoothie supplies a ton of whole grains, fiber, Vitamins B1 and B2, and antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E. Wholly Grain is has no added sugar and is available in 450 ml (15.2 fl.oz) grab-n-go recyclable plastic bottles.

Odwalla recently sent me a few bottles of their Wholly Grains Tropical Medley Smoothie to sample. I thought it had a delicious taste, and it was very filling. To me it was satisfying enough to be a meal. My youngest child especially loved it. The only downside in my opinion? It is pretty pricey, coming in at just under $4.00 a bottle. If they ever lower the price, it will make regular appearances in my refrigerator.

You can purchase the fiber-filled Odwalla Wholly Grains Tropical Medley smoothie at grocery stores and natural foods stores everywhere.

Enjoy!

Gluten Free Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." ~ William Cullen Bryant

I love all of the seasons, but Autumn has a special place in my heart for her extraordinary foliage, and bountiful harvests. I am especially fond of pumpkins. I love looking at them, and of course eating them. My Gluten Free Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts are one way I share my fondness of Autumn and pumpkins with my family.


Many of my readers commented on my Gluten Free Unbelievably Good Cake Doughnut recipe a few months back. These are just as delicious, but with a taste that will remind you of pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie flavored doughnuts... oh yes. I serve my Gluten Free Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts with hot apple cider on crisp autumn weekends.


How will you serve your Gluten Free Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts?




Gluten Free Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup cooked OR canned pumpkin

1 tablespoon lemon juice

4 1/2 cups Pamela's Ultimate Wheat Free Baking & Pancake Mix

1/2 tsp salt

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup evaporated milk

Oil for Deep Frying (I used peanut oil)

Frosting

3 cups confectioner's sugar

3-4 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon evaporated milk


In a mixing bowl. beat eggs, sugar, and butter. Add pumpkin and lemon juice; mix well. Combine Pamela's Baking Mix, salt, and pumpkin pie spice; add to pumpkin mixture alternately with milk. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Pamela's baking mix onto a clean work area. Use an ice cream scoop to measure dough for each doughnut (dough will be sticky). Drop each dough portion onto the prepared work surface. Gently turn until all sides are coated in Pamela's Baking Mix and dough is no longer sticky. Use your hands to gently shape each dough portion into a circle. Press your finger through the center of each dough portion all the way through to the work surface below; move your finger around so that you create a whole in the center of the dough, about 1'' in diameter. Gently transfer shaped dough to a dinner plate. In an electric skillet or deep fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden, about 3 minutes (turn halfway through frying time with a slotted spoon). Drain on paper towel lined plates. Combine Frosting ingredients; spread over warm doughnuts. Yield: 2 dozen

*Recipe adapted from Taste of Home magazine

Enjoy!

Giveaway & Product Review - Nature's Path Gluten Free Cereals

I love this quote from Nature's Path Organics: "Healthy foods don’t need to be boring and tasteless." I second the motion! I believe that healthy foods can be down-right delicious, and Nature's Path has proved that. Their extensive line of nutritious breakfast cereals boasts 7 wonderful tasting gluten free varieties, and I am giving away (4) boxes to one of my lucky readers! Woo Hoo!!

Nature's Path says: "We aspire to advance the cause of people and planet, along the path to sustainability. And we like to think we put our money where our mouth is. Or rather, where our heart is."

I admire Nature's Path for their unwavering passion to respecting the earth and it's resources, while simultaneously producing some of the best gluten free cereals I have ever tasted.

Check out the (4) yummy gluten free cereals that Nature's Path has generously offered to giveaway to one of my readers:

" A unique gluten-free and wheat-free medley of Indian corn, flax, and amaranth blended into crunchy, golden cereal flakes and naturally sweetened."

Mesa Sunrise is my very favorite!"Gluten-free, crunchy nuggets made of brown rice flour."

My kids like the Crispy Rice the best. It reminds them of the Rice Crispies cereal they used to eat before we went gluten free. "NEW! Gluten-Free Whole O's Cereal: Just the thing for the whole-grain-loving, gluten-avoiding O connoisseur—or any O connoisseur really. Full of organic corn and whole grain rice, it's crunchy and delicious, one pleasingly plump vowel at a time. Try some with milk, its various alternatives, or straight out of the box."

My youngest daughter adores these because they taste so much like Cheerios, which she has really missed since going gluten free. "Crisp, golden, gluten-free flakes made of pure cornmeal, lightly sweetened with concentrated grape juice, but sweetened with a mix of organic evaporated cane juice and honey."

My kids love my Crispy Peanut Butter Treats that I make using the Nature's Path Organic Honey'd Corn Flakes (I will post the recipe next time I make them).

Nature's Path Gluten Free Cereal Giveaway!

Nature's Path has generously offered to giveaway the (4) gluten free cereals in my review to (1) of my lucky readers!

TO ENTER:

Visit the Nature's Path website and leave me a comment with your favorite gluten free food selection from any of their product lines. *(To leave an entry comment: Scroll to the very bottom of this post and click on "comments". A new window will open where you can type in your comment)

*IMPORTANT: Please leave your e-mail address with EACH entry (including bonus entries) so I can contact you if you win. Please leave me a separate comment for each bonus entry in order for each entry to count.

BONUS ENTRIES:

1. Subscribe to my Freebie Fairy giveaway & product review website by e-mail or reader.

2. Become a follower of my Freebie Fairy giveaway & product review website.

3. Grab my Freebie Fairy giveaway & product review blog button and display it on your website/blog (copy the html code for my button from the sidebar of my Freebie Fairy website, and paste the code into your website).

4. Get (5) bonus entries if you: Blog about this giveaway linking it back to my Gluten Free Taste of Home website AND the Nature's Path website. PLEASE LEAVE ME THE LINK TO YOUR POST WITH YOUR ENTRY or it will not count.

5. Visit the "Do Good" page on the Nature's Path website and tell me one way that you can "do good".

6. Visit the "Join Our Panel" page on the Nature's Path website and let me know that you've joined the Nature's Path Consumer Panel.

7. Subscribe to my Gluten Free Taste of Home recipe blog by e-mail or reader.

8. Follow my Gluten Free Taste of Home blog.

9. Grab my Gluten Free Taste of Home button and display it on your website/blog (copy the html code in the side bar of my Gluten Free Taste of Home website and paste the code into your website).

*GIVEAWAY OPEN TO US & CANADA

*Giveaway ends on October 9, 2009 at 10:00 PST. I will select (1) winner at random and announce the winner by October 12, 2009. Winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.

*REMEMBER... please leave your e-mail address with EACH entry so I can contact you if you win.