Giveaway & Product Review - Erewhon Gluten Free Cereals

Not all gluten free cereals are created equal. Erewhon gluten free cereals are among some of the tastiest, healthy gluten free cereals I have tried. I am so excited to be hosting a giveaway for Erewhon gluten free cereals, so that you can give them a try too!

Erewhon gluten free cereals are made from only the purest, finest ingredients which are organically grown whenever possible. They use absolutely NO artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They never use hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup either. All of those benefits, and gluten free to boot... what could be better?

In addition to the yummy line up of Erewhon gluten free cereals that you may already be familiar with on the shelves of your local natural foods market, Erewhon is proud of the two new delicious flavors they recently released: Gluten Free Strawberry Crisp and Gluten Free Cocoa Crispy Brown Rice.

Here are my thoughts on the flavors that Erewhon sent me to sample for this review:

Erewhon Gluten Free Strawberry Crisp (new!): These remind me of corn flakes, with tangy peices of dehydrated strawberries throughout. I really enjoyed this particular flavor and ate nearly the whole box, much to the dismay of my family. ;-)

Erewhon Gluten Free Cocoa Crispy Brown Rice (new!): I might be giving away my age here, but when I was a little girl, Cocoa Crispies were a very popular cereal. I liked how it made "chocolate milk" in my bowl. I was pleasantly transported back to my childhood when eating these. The difference was that Erewhons version were far less sweet and MUCH healthier, which is how I prefer my cereal these days. This was my children's favorite of all of the Erewhon Cereals we tried.

Erewhon Gluten Free Crispy Brown Rice: These remind me of Rice Crispies cereal, only without gluten! I love that they are made from healthy brown rice. The biggest bonus is that they work perfectly in baked goods recipes that call for Rice Crispies cereal. :)

Erewhon Gluten Free Crispy Brown Rice with Mixed Berries: This is one of my favorites because I love the combination of dehydrated mixed berries in this cereal. My kids also love this one. Think Rice Crispies, with berries... super-good!

Erewhon Gluten Free Rice Twice: Crispy and puffed rice come together for a lightly sweetened, textural delight. This was my husband's favorite.

Erewhon Gluten Free Corn Flakes: Corn flakes like you remember, only healthier and gluten free. I love adding fresh sliced bananas to this classic cereal. What will you put on top of your Erewhon Gluten Free Corn Flakes?

U.S. Mills, the makers of Erewhon gluten free cereals is giving away the following prize package to (3) lucky Freebie Fairy subscribers:

(1) Box of Erewhon Gluten Free Strawberry Crisp Cereal (new!)

(1) Box of Erewhon Gluten Free Cocoa Crispy Brown Rice Cereal (new!)

(1) Box of Erewhon Gluten Free Corn Flakes

(1) Patagonia t-shirt

(1) Erewhon Coupon Keeper with coupons for $1.00 next purchases

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY: Visit my Freebie Fairy giveaway website and follow the easy entry instructions.

*GIVEAWAY OPEN TO US ONLY*

Giveaway ends on Wednesday December 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m

Best of luck!

Giveaway Winner - Betty Crocker "Simple Joys" Prize Pack

The winner of the Betty Crocker Simple Joys" Prize Pack giveaway is:

*clallen*

Congratulations!

Special thanks to Betty Crocker for sponsoring this giveaway.

Gluten Free Four Ingredient Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

What could be more wonderful than a gluten free peanut butter cookie recipe that is not only delicious, but only has four ingredients and can be made from start to finish in less than 30 minutes? That is exactly what this Gluten Free Four Ingredient Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie recipe has to offer!

My kids adore Peanut Butter Cookies, so when I found this super-simple gluten free flourless peanut butter cookie recipe on Kate's Gluten Free Gobsmacked blog, I was an instant fan.

Kate has a cute way of labeling this fantastic recipe:

GF: 1+1+1+1=YUM!

Check out the easy to remember proportions of this gluten free peanut butter cookie recipe, and I'm sure you will agree that really sums it up! ;-)

Gluten Free Four Ingredient Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coarse decorators sugar to sprinkle on top after baking (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat all ingredients together (I used a hand mixer). Form dough into 2'' balls and place 2'' apart on a cookie sheet. Press each cookie ball with the tines of a fork in a criss-cross pattern. Bake for 9 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with coarse decorators sugar (if using). Allow to cool completely before removing from the cookie sheet. Yield: Approximately 1-1/2 dozen cookies

Enjoy!

Giveaway - Betty Crocker "Simple Joys" Prize Pack

Hey Moms and Dads... Betty Crocker is giving away a really yummy assortment of gluten free fruit snacks and a collection of cool, retro toys that make PERFECT stocking stuffers! One of my lucky readers will receive a Betty Crocker "Simple Joys" Prize Pack containing:

- Two packages of *Gluten Free Betty Crocker Fruit-Flavored Snacks: You can feel good about these, as they are made with real fruit and each serving is less than 100 calories! Now every kid can enjoy the simple joy of a fun, great tasting gluten free snack.

- A retro Pick ‘em Up Sticks game (my personal favorite when I was a kid!)

- A light-up yo-yo

- A classic Frisbee

*You can also print a coupon good for .50 cents off Betty Crocker fruit snacks by clicking here!!

Want to WIN the Betty Crocker Simple Joys Prize Pack for your child? Betty Crocker has kindly offered to GIVEAWAY a Simple Joys Prize Pack to (1) of my lucky readers!

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY: Visit my Freebie Fairy giveaway website and follow the easy entry instructions.

*GIVEAWAY OPEN TO US ONLY*

Giveaway ends on Sunday November 22, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. PST.

*A note to my vegetarian readers: As many of you know I am a vegetarian, but my family members are not. Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks are not a vegetarian product; I am reviewing them on behalf of my non-vegetarian/gluten free children, who enjoy eating them.

Gluten Free Chile Relleno Casserole

One taste of my Gluten Free Chile Relleno Casserole is sure to warm you up on a chilly Autumn night. This mildly spiced, extra cheesy, gluten free main dish is so comforting and easy to prepare that it shows up regularly on my dinner table. I also serve this tasty, gluten free favorite at brunch gatherings with rave reviews. Try it for yourself tonight, it is sure to become a well loved recipe in your home as well.

Gluten Free Chile Relleno Casserole

3 cans (4 ounces each) whole green chiles, drained

1 - 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 - 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/3 cup gluten free flour blend (I use Bette Hagman's Featherlight blend)

1 cup half-and-half cream

2 eggs, beaten

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1/3 package taco seasoning mix (I use Mc Cormick brand)

Split chiles open lengthwise. Rinse out seeds and place chiles on paper towels to drain. Combine cheeses; set aside 1/2 cup for topping. In a bowl, combine the gluten free flour blend, cream and eggs until smooth.

In a greased deep 1 - 1/2 quart baking dish, layer half of cheese, chiles and egg mixture. Repeat layers. Combine tomato sauce and taco seasoning mix. Pour tomato sauce mixture over the top; sprinkle with reserved cheese.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 55 - 65 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Yield: 4-6 servings

*Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Enjoy!

Giveaway Winner - Aleia's Gluten Free Foods Stuffing & Cookie Giveaway

The winner of the Aleia's Gluten Free Foods Stuffing & Cookie Giveaway 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 Aleia's Gluten Free Foods for sponsoring this giveaway.

Giveaway Winner - Pamela's Ultimate Wheat Free Baking & Pancake Mix

The winner of the Pamela's Ultimate Wheat Free Baking & Pancake Mix is:

*Jenniferb*

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

Special thanks to Pamela's Products for sponsoring this giveaway.

Product Review - Gluten Free Cafe - All Natural Frozen Fettucini Alfredo

I recently received coupons from the folks at the Celestial-Hain Group, asking me to sample and review their new line of Gluten Free Cafe All Natural Frozen Entrees. Out of the 4 available varieties I was only able to locate the Gluten Free Cafe Fettuccini Alfredo in my local grocery store; it is that which I will review today.

I was impressed with the fact that the Gluten Free Cafe frozen entrees boasts the following benefits:

Fortified 3 Ways for Your Health

Gluten Free Café is the only line of all natural frozen foods that are certified gluten free—and fortified with essential nutrients to address vitamin, mineral, and fiber deficiencies that commonly affect those following gluten-free diets.

1. B Vitamins & Iron The absence of enriched wheat flour or whole wheat flour in gluten free food products results in a loss of valuable dietary nutrients, including B Vitamins and Iron. Our Gluten Free Cafe items are enriched according to the FDA’s nutritional requirements for enriched flour and provide a good source of Iron and B Vitamins and also include Vitamins Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Folic Acid.

2. Fiber Since the gluten free diet relies on the replacement of fiber-rich wheat flours with other “digestive-friendly” grains, you may experience some dietary fiber loss. But not with Gluten Free Café entrees! We’ve taken care to ensure that you don’t lose the all-important benefits of fiber by adding Inulin, a non-digestible carbohydrate, to each of our delightful entrees. Since they contain Inulin, all Gluten Free Café meals provide you with the valuable qualities of fiber, while also functioning as a prebiotic to support the growth of “good” digestive tract bacteria. Plus, Inulin helps improve your body’s ability to absorb calcium – another valuable plus.

3. Vitamin D and Calcium If you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, there’s a 30% chance that you are also lactose intolerant…which means you may not be getting sufficient Vitamin D and Calcium in your diet. Deficiencies can also be caused by poor nutrient absorption, a common effect of your condition. Due to these factors, it is generally recommended that patients with gluten intolerance be screened for osteoporosis. To help ensure against deficiencies, we’ve fortified each of our Gluten Free Café entrees with Vitamin D and Calcium…in amounts equivalent to those found in an 8-ounce glass of whole milk!

All Gluten Free Café products are certified by the GFCO.

In fact, we are proud to be the only line of all natural gluten free frozen food entrees that are certified by the GFCO.

What is the “GFCO”?
The Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of The Gluten Intolerance Group®, supervises gluten free food production according to consistent, stringent, science-based standards to ensure safety and instill confidence in both consumers and manufacturers. Certification is rigorous, involving annual on-site facility inspection and product testing.

The Gluten Free Cafe Fettucini Alfredo entree was perfect for my young child with Celiac Disease; she is very picky and prefers simple foods, especially pasta dishes. I prepared it for her for lunch and she really enjoyed it, finishing nearly the entire thing!

Will I purchase frozen Gluten Free Cafe Fettucini Alfredo in the future? If the price point becomes a bit lower, I would definitely keep it on hand for my child for the occasional quick weekend lunch. I do appreciate the convenience that the frozen Gluten Free Cafe entrees offer my busy family.

The other Gluten Free Cafe varieties available are: Asian Noodles, Pasta Primavera (meatless), and Lemon Basil Chicken.

If you would like to try any of the Gluten Free Cafe entrees for yourself, click here to receive a coupon from their website.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes

You may think I have gone pumpkin crazy this month... but in my opinion you can never have too much pumpkin in the Autumn! I never tire of pumpkin recipes this time of year, and luckily neither does my family. My recipe for Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes will warm your bellies, and your hearts. Easy to make and fun to eat, this is Autumn comfort food in it's simplest form. From my country kitchen to yours... enjoy!



Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes


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

2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

1-1/2 cups milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Butter & warm maple syrup for serving; optional


Combine Pamela's Ultimate Wheat Free Baking & Pancake Mix, brown sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl; set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl; mix well. Stir pumpkin mixture into flour mixture until just moistened. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface; turn and continue cooking until cooked through and golden. Top each serving with butter and warm maple syrup if desired. Yield: Approximately 16 pancakes.



Enjoy!

Giveaway - Gluten Free Savory Stuffing Mix & Cookies from Aleia's Gluten Free AND Sweet Pumpkin Dip Recipe

My friends at Aleia's Gluten Free are giving one of my lucky readers (1) bag of gluten free Savory Stuffing Mix AND (1) bag of their tasty gluten free cookies (winner chooses flavor) just in time for Thanksgiving! I also have a yummy recipe for my Gluten Free Sweet Pumpkin Dip to share. Whip it up in minutes, and serve with Aleia's Gluten Free Ginger Snap Cookie's to your loved one's this holiday season.


You may remember when I introduced you to Aleia's Gluten Free in this September post. Since then, Aleia's Gluten Free has asked me to try some more of their delicious baked goods.

I had the pleasure of sampling these Aleia's Gluten Free foods:

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons - soft, chewy, coconut bliss with a twist... cocoa has been added for an out of this world chocolate coconut flavor. So good with tea or coffee!

Savory Stuffing Mix - Ready to go, pre-cut and seasoned bread cubes complete with Aleia's special recipe for gluten free Savory Stuffing. Aleia's Stuffing is part of their "Single Cooking solution" line of products, which also includes gluten free, time saving, bread crumbs and croutons. I can't wait to serve this stuffing on Thanksgiving, I know it will be a real time saver.

Ginger Snap Cookies - From Aleia's Gluten Free "Life is Sweet Without Wheat" line of cookies, these Ginger Snaps taste great alone or with a glass of milk or tea, crush and use in place of graham crackers for a festive holiday cookie crumb crust for pumpkin pie or pumpkin cheesecake. Try serving these crunchy, sparkling gingersnaps with my easy to prepare Gluten Free Sweet Pumpkin Dip (recipe provided below).

Aleia's Gluten Free Foods can be purchased on the East Coast in natural Foods Markets, as well as online at http://www.svtea.com/New-Food/products/139/

Want to try Aleia's Gluten Free Savory Stuffing and a bag of Aleia's gluten free cookies (flavor of your choice)? Aleia's Gluten Free has generously offered to GIVEAWAY (1) bag of Savory Stuffing AND (1) bag of Aleia's Cookies to (1) lucky Gluten Free Taste of Home reader!

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY: Visit the Aleia's Gluten Free website and leave me a comment at the end of this post naming (1) product you would like to try from Aleia's "Single Cooking Solution" line AND (1) product you would like to try from Aleia's "Life is Sweet Without Wheat" line.

BONUS ENTRIES:

1) Become a follower of Aleia's Gluten Free Blog.

2) Subscribe to Aleia's Gluten Free Blog.

3) Follow Aleia's Gluten Free on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway.

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

5) Become a follower of my Freebie Fairy blog

6) 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).

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

8) Follow me on Twitter and tweet the giveaway.

Giveaway ends November 13 2009 at 7:00 p.s.t. Open to US only.

GLUTEN FREE SWEET PUMPKIN DIP RECIPE with GLUTEN FREE GINGER SNAP COOKIES

(1) 8-oz package cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

15-oz can pumpkin puree
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Aleia's Gluten Free Ginger Snap Cookies (or homemade ginger snaps)

Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Blend in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice; cover and chill. Serve with Aleia's Gluten Free Ginger Snap Cookies (or homemade ginger snaps). Yield: about 4 1/2 cups of pumpkin dip.

*Recipe adapted from the Gooseberry Patch Autumn in the Country cookbook.

Enjoy!