Happy Holidays from Gluten Free Taste of Home (and my Santa's Helper)!

I'm not sure my cat agrees, but I think she makes a cute Santa's Helper!

Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy, holiday!  More gluten free reviews and giveaways to come in the New Year.

Giveaway & Review: Make Your Own Candy Kits (Ingredients are Gluten Free & All-Natural)!

I had the chance to review a tasty, educational and all natural product with my kids... a Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit from the makers of Glee Gum! They also have a Make Your Own Chocolate Kit and a Make Your Own Gummies Kit available; my kids and I are anxious to try those next.

Impressively, all three Make Your Own Candy Kits are gluten free - a blessing for kids who have Celiac Disease, like my daughter. No doubt that these kits would make creative hands-on holiday gifts for the children on your shopping list (after all, what kid wouldn't want to make candy?)!

The process of making the chewing gum with the kit was surprisingly easy; my kids and I were able to produce about 50 pieces of natural chicle based gum in both cherry and cinnamon flavors. We found it interesting to learn that chicle comes from the rainforests and is what all gum used to be made of (not full of chemicals like most gums are these days). The Make Your Own Gum Kit brought my family together for some sticky, hands on fun! All of agree that this would be a fun activity to do again very soon.

WIN a Make Your Own Candy Kit!

(1) Freebie Fairy follower will WIN (1) Make Your Own Candy Kit of their choosing (retail value $13.00)

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY:


Visit my Freebie Fairy blog using this link (once you are there the instructions to enter the giveaway will be at the end of the blog post); please do not attempt to enter here, as I am only accepting entries on my Freebie Fairy blog.


Best of luck!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review. I received complimentary product for review purposes from the product company and/or their PR agency. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Zevia All Natural Soda (and a coupon opportunity!)

I was thrilled to hook up with Zevia All Natural Sodas to sample their Mountain Zevia flavor. I became an instant fan upon learning Zevia contains no artificial ingredients whatsoever and is sweetened with Stevia instead of sugar.  I normally avoid zero calorie soda because I do not care to consume artificial sweeteners; the downside of that is that when I do decide to drink a soda it is full of refined sugar (also not ideal).  With Mountain Zevia I can indulge in an all natural citrus-blend soda that is completely gluten free, guilt free and absolutely delicious!

Will I buy Mountain Zevia again?  You bet!  Also, I hope to partner with the folks at Zevia to sample additional soda flavors soon, and will let you know what I think of them in the months to come.

As of today, if you "like" Zevia on Facebook you will be able to print a $1.00 off Zevia coupon - HURRY so you don't miss out!

Katz Gluten Free COUPON CODE (today only!)

Exciting news for fans of Katz Gluten Free baked goods; they are having a one day sale! Simply place an order on the Katz Gluten Free website before midnight today using the coupon code OneTime (all one word) and save $3 off of your order! Katz Gluten Free is allowing this coupon to stack, so this is a great opportunity for savings!

Enjoy!

Cookbook Review: Gluten Free Makeovers

Have you heard about Beth Hillson's new cookbook Gluten-Free Makeovers?  If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet I highly recommend that you do!  Gluten-Free Makeovers is chock full of family favorite recipes that you may remember missing from when you used to eat gluten - the author used her years of culinary training to makeover these recipes so that you never have to miss them again!

So far, my favorite recipes from the Gluten-Free Makeovers cookbook are: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup and Socca (Chickpea Flatbread).  Double-plus-good!  I am looking forward to experimenting with more of the tempting recipes in this fantastic new cookbook!

About the author:

"Beth Hillson is the founder of Gluten-Free Pantry, the president of the American Celiac Disease Alliance, and the food editor of Living Without magazine. She lives in Connecticut."


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review. I received the item/items featured in this post for review purposes courtesy of the product company and/or its PR or publishing company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Giveaway Winners: Talenti Gelato

And the winners are:

Noreen (comment #5) and jesse. C. (comment # 9)


Special thanks to Talenti Gelato for sponsoring this giveaway!

Gluten Free Article in ReadersDigest.ca

Reader's Digest has published an informative article on the subject of gluten-free in the Health & Well-Being section of it's online publication ReadersDigest.ca. The article is entitled "Is Gluten-Free for You?" and addresses several sub-topics including:

- Source of Digestive Troubles


- What causes the problem?


- Hidden Disease


- Tests for Detection


- Gluten-free Goes Mainstream


- Learn More


Check out this gluten free article for yourself and share it with a friend!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was compensated for this post by Reader's Digest. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Product Review: Katz Gluten Free

I have been a big fan of Katz Gluten Free bakery products for several years now (they are also dairy free & nut free!).  It is with great pleasure that I am able to share some of their new and most popular items with you.

Katz Gluten Free Sugared Snack Poppers

If you like cookies that are light and not overly sweet then Katz Gluten Free Sugared Snack Poppers are for you.  My daughters and I really loved the simple flavors of these little beauties; they made their way into our lunchboxes and were a perfect light dessert or after school snack.  Try them with hot tea on a crisp autumn afternoon... perfect!

Katz Gluten Free Raspberry Tart Cookies

I have adored this type of fruit filled "thumbprint cookie" since I was in elementary school.  It was a joy to be able to have them in our household again after years of missing them.  My youngest daughter loved these as much as I do... whats not to love?  These would also be very beautiful on a cookie tray during the holidays with their sweet bright-red centers.  Two thumbs up for Katz Gluten Free Raspberry Tart Cookies!

Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are a much beloved treasure in my home; we love them for school lunches and after school treats dunked in a glass of cold milk or almond milk.  These are classic, crunchy, chocolate chip cookies that put a smile on everyone's face.

Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Rugelech

Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Rugelech are a tasty treat anytime; they are flaky and not overly sweet. I feel they are very similar to pie crust filled with chocolate and rolled up into delightful swirls.  There is not one person in my family who doesn't love Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Rugelech!

Katz Gluten Free Blueberry Pie

Pies are one of the newest addition to the Katz Gluten Free line-up, and I couldn't be happier about it!  I am a pie fanatic, and this pie is great to satisfy my cravings when I don't have time to bake pies from scratch.   I also appreciate the smaller (4 serving) size of the Katz Gluten Free Pie's; it stays fresh and none goes to waste!  The Katz Gluten Free Blueberry Pie is delicious!

Katz Gluten Free Cherry Pie

My all time favorite pie flavor is cherry.  This yummy little Katz Gluten Free Cherry Pie made my day when it arrived in the mail; it was the first thing I wanted to try.  I especially enjoyed it slightly warmed in the microwave with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  I suggest keeping a pie in the freezer so you can pull one out for dessert anytime!  Yum!

Katz Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns

I am so happy to have soft gluten free hot dog buns from Katz Gluten Free.  I just pull one bun at a time out of the freezer and let it thaw a bit before warming it gently in my toaster oven.  It is the simple things in life, like hot dogs on the Fourth of July that I missed when my household went gluten free.  Thanks to Katz for making these great hot dog buns!

Katz Gluten Free Hamburger Buns

Sloppy Joes, Burgers and Pulled Pork Sandwiches are all back on the menu now that we have Katz Gluten Free Hamburger Buns!  I have sampled many types of gluten free buns over the years and these are among the best I have tried.  Just like the Katz Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns I let the hamburger buns thaw a bit before warming them gently in my toaster oven (or on my grill).  

Visit the Katz Gluten Free website to view their many other delicious gluten free baked goods!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review. I received the item/items featured in this post for review purposes courtesy of the product company and/or its PR or publishing company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GIVEAWAY: FREE Talenti Gelato (Two Winners)!

I am hosting a coupon giveaway for Talenti Gelato to help them celebrate the release of their new gelato flavor Sea Salt Caramel! Yippee!  All Talenti gelatos and sorbettos are gluten free, with the exception of the  Caramel Cookie Crunch Gelato flavor, which does contains gluten. Two lucky Gluten Free Taste of Home followers will each win (1) coupon for a FREE pint of Talenti Gelato (up to $5.99 value)!

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of indulging in a salty-sweet pint of Talenti's amazing gluten free Sea Salt Caramel Gelato then I would be happy to share my experience with you. I can honestly say that I have never had a store bought frozen dessert that even comes close to satisfying my craving for salty-sweet comfort food in the same way that Talenti's Sea Salt Caramel does. It is obvious with every delightful bite that Talenti uses the best ingredients in it's new Sea Salt Caramel flavor. This unique gelato contains Argentine caramel made just for Talenti, as well as the very best Fleur De Sel sea salt from France... there are even small chocolate covered sea salt caramel truffles throughout the gelato to enhance this already delicious frozen treat. It's a must try!

Talenti Gelato wants you to know...

"Like all Talenti gelatos e sorbettos, Sea Salt Caramel is artisanally made using fresh hormone-free milk and pure cane sugar—no high-fructose corn syrup."



WIN IT:

(2) Lucky Gluten Free Taste of Home followers will each WIN (1) coupon for a FREE pint of Talenti Gelato (up to $5.99 value).

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY (#1 is a mandatory entry):

1) Become a Gluten Free Taste of Home follower (must follow PUBLICLY via Google Friend Connect in the side bar of this website) AND visit the Talenti Gelato website to view their other products; LEAVE ME A COMMENT telling me you now follow me PUBLICLY, AND tell me the name of another flavor  of Talenti Gelato or Sorbetto you found on your visit to their website that you would like to try (other than the Sea Salt Caramel flavor, please). (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES (each entry comment must be entered separately to be a valid entry):

2) Like Talenti Gelato on Facebook. (1 entry)


3) Follow Talenti Gelato on Twitter. (1 entry)

4) Blog about this giveaway linking it back to this blog post AND the Sea Salt Caramel Gelato page on the Talenti Gelato website. Please LEAVE ME A COMMENT with THE LINK TO YOUR POST or it will not count. (3 entries) 

5) "Like" my Gluten Free Taste of Home page on Facebook; LEAVE ME A COMMENT telling me you did this. (1 entry)

6) "Like" my Freebie Fairy page on Facebook; LEAVE ME A COMMENT telling me you did this. (1 entry)

7) Follow Gluten Free Taste of Home on Twitter AND tweet the giveaway; LEAVE ME A COMMENT (with your twitter link) telling me you did it. (one entry per tweet/RT; DO NOT EXCEED (1) TWEET/RT PER HOUR!)

8) Grab my Gluten Free Taste of Home button and display it on your website/blog (copy the html code for my button from the sidebar of this website and paste the code into your website), and LEAVE ME A COMMENT with a LINK to where you pasted my button. (1 entry)

9) Subscribe to Gluten Free Taste of Home via e-mail (in right hand sidebar of this blog). (1 entry)


*GIVEAWAY OPEN TO US ONLY*

Giveaway ends on Wednesday September 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. PST (entries received after this time will not be posted). Winner will be selected by random.org. Winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected; PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR E-MAIL REPLIES THAT ARE SENT TO ME AND NOT RECEIVED IN MY INBOX FOR ANY REASON. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A PROMPT REPLY BACK FROM ME ASSUME I DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR E-MAIL. RE-SEND YOUR REPLY UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A RESPONSE FROM ME WITHIN 48 HOURS (FROM THE TIME I SENT YOUR WINNER'S NOTIFICATION E-MAIL) OR A NEW WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN. LEAVING AN ENTRY COMMENT ON THIS POST WILL SERVE AS ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS.

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

Best of luck!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review.  I received the item/items featured in this post for review purposes courtesy of the product company and/or its PR or publishing company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Saffron Road - Gluten Free Frozen Entrees

I am not usually a big fan of store bought frozen meals, however there are times when one of my family members needs a quick meal and there is no time to cook from scratch.  The gluten free entrees from Saffron Road are one of the few store bought frozen entrees that I actually enjoy eating and feel good about feeding to my family.  I feel that Saffron Road's frozen meals are a cut above the rest; check out a few of their FAQ's and I am sure you will agree:

How does Saffron Road guarantee that its livestock are treated humanely?

We work with trusted, credible, third parties to certify that our livestock are treated humanely. Our chicken is Certified Humane® by the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) and our lamb by the Global Animal Partnership. HFAC is endorsed by a consortium of animal welfare organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Both of these standards require that animals have ample space, shelter and gentle handling to limit stress.

How are our livestock sourced?

We source from family owned and local sustainable farms, including Amish farms. For our lamb, we only use livestock that have never been administered hormones and been pasture-raised and grass-fed in open fields. For our poultry, they are totally antibiotic-free.

Are our livestock free-range?

Our Lamb is pasture-raised, but our chickens are not all free-range and here’s why – our chickens are raised cage-free indoors. Unlike caged chickens, they have plenty of room to move around as well as access to natural light and fresh air, plus additional features that help the birds express their natural characteristics, such as perching and dust bathing. Some of our farms have chosen to exclude outdoor access (and therefore cannot call 100% of our chickens “free-range”) because exposure to the elements can lead to disease (remember—we’re antibiotic-free!), and contact with outside birds could possibly expose them to such diseases as avian bird flu. Healthy, happy chickens are our goal!

Many Certified Humane® products are free-range, but welfare is more important to us than the farming system involved – and free-range does not automatically guarantee improved welfare. After many discussion from experts in veterinary and welfare science, farm animal research and people with practical farming experience we found that appropriately designed and well managed indoor systems can equally satisfy an animal’s key requirements.

What is Halal?

In Arabic, the word halal means permitted or lawful. Halal foods are foods that are allowed under Islamic dietary guidelines.

How are your products harvested?

All of our livestock are Zabihah or hand-slaughtered individually by a Muslim reciting the tasmiya and the takbir in a very mindful and traditional way—making sure to ask for mercy from our creator and treating the animal as humanely as possible. In this manner, we believe the quality and purity of the meat harvested is much cleaner since all the impurities are diligently drained and since the animal is not under stress. Our consumers overwhelmingly tell us that our all natural halal meat has an amazingly better taste, texture, and freshness that is far superior to the quality of commercial meat sourced from factory farms which machine slaughter their livestock. Our mission is ethical consumerism, which you can read about here: (http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/a/4331). To learn more about why we DON’T like factory farming, please watch Food Inc.

Is Saffron Road gluten-free?

Most of our Saffron Road products are gluten free as certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. GFCO provides an independent service to supervise gluten-free food production according to a consistent, defined, science-based standard that is confirmed by field inspections in order to achieve heightened consumer confidence and safety. All of our Gluten Free certified products are naturally free of gluten, so there is no sacrifice in flavor! Unlike some food manufacturers that may self-label themselves as Gluten Free, Saffron Road actually goes through the expense and effort of having the #1 Gluten Free certifier audit, inspect, and verify our GF products in order to provide that extra comfort and transparency to our consumers. Please check the front of our packaging for the GF button.

I have tried the Lamb Koftis and Lemongrass Basil Chicken from Saffron Road; both were very tasty!  Neither entree was overly spicy, but there was an impressive flavor profile usually not found in store bought frozen foods.  The chicken used in the Lemongrass Chicken meal was tender and fresh tasting; I was really impressed!  I only wished that there was a bit more chicken in the meal because it was so enjoyable.  The meatballs in the Lamb Koftis were pure comfort food, a simple yet satisfying dish.

I am looking forward to trying more Saffron Road gluten free frozen meals as they continue to update the packaging to reflect the gluten free status of each entree selection.

Try Saffron Road's gluten free frozen meals for yourself and let me know what you think!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review. I received the item/items featured in this post for review purposes courtesy of the product company and/or its PR or publishing company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Gluten Free Snacks for Last Days of Summer & Back to School

The last days of summer are here... instead of mourning them my family chooses to celebrate them with nostalgic gluten free S'mores around our backyard fire pit.  We use Kinnikinnick's tasty gluten free Graham Style Crackers as the perfect delivery system for ooey-gooey toasted marshmallows and melty chocolate bars.  Our goal is to have as many S'more sessions as possible before Autumn arrives!

Speaking of Autumn... it is hard to believe it is almost time to start packing school lunches again, isn't it?  The challenge in my house is providing a variation of gluten free snacks that are both healthy and appealing to my kids.  I hit the "snack jackpot" with gluten free Beanfields Chips!  Made from beans instead of corn Beanfields tasty chips come in four flavors and pack a high-fiber, GMO-free punch!  Our favorite flavor is Pico De Gallo... YUM

Pretzels used to be a favorite lunchbox snack prior to my household going gluten free, but we choose not to purchase the astronomically high priced gluten free pretzels available in the specialty stores.  When Snyder's of Hanover came out with affordable and delicious gluten free pretzel sticks we were thrilled; pretzels were back in my family's lunch box!  Snyder's of Hanover's offers pretzel sticks that are certified gluten free and taste exactly like "regular" pretzels!  Look for Snyder's of Hanover gluten free pretzel sticks in family sized bags and handy 100 calorie snack size packages.

What are your favorite end of summer and back to school snacks?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review. I received the item/items featured in this post for review purposes courtesy of the product company and/or its PR or publishing company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cookbook Review: Gluten Free in Five Minutes

Here's a novel idea... being able to whip up a single slice of bread, a single English muffin or a single pancake - all gluten free and made in the microwave!  If you are scratching your head in confusion at this point I don't blame you; I did the same thing when I heard that a new cookbook entitled Gluten Free in Five Minutes offered these mind boggling possibilities (and more)!

Gluten Free in Five Minutes author Roben Ryberg believes that no one should be deprived of homemade gluten free baked goods even if they are busy or simply don't like to bake; her solution was to conjure up super simple recipes - each using only a single gluten free flour - that could be prepared and cooked in the microwave in under 5 minutes.  I like to think of Roben's recipes as "gluten free on demand."

It is no secret that the microwave and baking are not always a great combination, so my kids and I were very interested to test these recipes for ourselves.  We tried the English muffins, flat bread, pancake, blueberry muffin, hollandaise sauce and chocolate cake recipes.  Although it is impossible for baked goods to brown in the microwave all were tasty and moist!

The English muffins didn't taste like traditional English Muffins, but they had good flavor and performed beautifully as a base for our Eggs Benedict breakfast - we also used Roben's amazing recipe for speedy microwave hollandaise sauce and we were blown away at how delicious it was!

For the flat bread I thought it could use some color and texture that the microwave could not provide - the simple solution was to quickly brown it in a bit of olive oil in a hot cast iron skillet.  I topped my flat bread with Greek salad and folded it over to create a sandwich; it was absolutely delectable!

I am really happy to own Roben Ryberg's new Gluten Free in Five Minutes cookbook!  My kids and I are having a blast discovering all of the quick and fun recipes inside and plan to use it for years to come... this unique cookbook is a keeper!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review. I received the item/items featured in this post for review purposes courtesy of the product company and/or its PR or publishing company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking Mix Prize Pack

And the winner is:

kelly (comment #3)

Congratulations! You were e-mailed on 6/16/11; please reply to my e-mail (not this post) within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Special thanks to General Mills for sponsoring this giveaway through MyBlogSpark!

Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest AND a Giveaway!

Exciting news for all of you gluten free baking enthusiasts! Now through June 30th, visit www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge for the chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000 in the Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest. Believe it or not, the grand prize winner will also have the chance to be featured on a Betty Crocker® Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick®Gluten Free baking mix package and/or be featured in a Betty Crocker publication!

HOW?

Simply submit an original recipe for your favorite gluten free holiday-themed appetizer, bread or dessert using any Betty Crocker Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix.

All recipe submissions will be judged on taste, creativity, ease of preparation, consumer appeal and appearance. It gets even better... if you’re selected as one of the 10 finalists, you will receive a fabulous Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking gift basket filled with baking items and Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes. It doesn't stop there... the finalists’ recipes will be featured on www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge and voted on by the Gluten Freely community to determine who the Grand Prize Winner will be!

For wonderful recipe tips, ideas, and helpful suggestions, visit www.glutenfreely.com to help get you started and also learn more about the exciting Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest!

SAVE $ on Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mixes...

Through the end of June, you can save 20% on the purchase of any of the five Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes. Visit http://www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore to buy your favorites today!

WIN IT:

Betty Crocker is giving (1) Gluten Free Taste of Home FOLLOWER a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking Mix Prize Pack including all (4) of the gluten free dessert mixes, and a box of Gluten Free Bisquick (see photo above)!

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY (this is a mandatory entry):

Become a Gluten Free Taste of Home follower (must follow PUBLICLY via Google Friend Connect in the side bar of this website) AND visit www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge; LEAVE ME A COMMENT telling me that you are now following Gluten Free Taste of Home PUBLICLY via Google Friend Connect, AND also tell me what aspect of the Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest you find the most exciting. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES: (each entry comment must be entered separately to be a valid entry):

1) "Like" Gluten Free Taste of Home on Facebook and "share" your like with your Facebook friends. (1 entry)

2) Check out GlutenFreely.com and tell me what you liked most about the website. (1 entry)

 3) Follow Betty Crocker on Twitter and tweet the giveaway; LEAVE ME A COMMENT with the link. (1 entry)

4) Blog about this giveaway linking it back to this post AND to www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge Please LEAVE ME A COMMENT with THE LINK TO YOUR POST or it will not count. (5 entries)

 5) Follow me on Twitter and tweet the giveaway; please include the Twitter hash tag #myblogspark in your tweet. LEAVE ME A COMMENT with the link. MAXIMUM 1 tweet/RT per hour please! (1 entry PER tweet/RT)

6) 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), and LEAVE ME A COMMENT telling me you did it. (1 entry)
*GIVEAWAY OPEN TO US ONLY*

Giveaway ends on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. PST (late entries will not be posted). Winner will be selected by random.org. Winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected; PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR E-MAIL REPLIES THAT ARE SENT TO ME AND NOT RECEIVED IN MY INBOX FOR ANY REASON. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A PROMPT REPLY BACK FROM ME ASSUME I DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR E-MAIL. RE-SEND YOUR REPLY UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A RESPONSE FROM ME WITHIN 48 HOURS (FROM THE TIME I SENT YOUR WINNER'S NOTIFICATION E-MAIL) OR A NEW WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN. LEAVING AN ENTRY COMMENT ON THIS POST WILL SERVE AS ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS.

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

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review. Betty Crocker provided me with the product, and information through MyBlogSpark. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Product Review: Udi's Gluten Free Buns and Ancient Grain Breads

Udi's Gluten Free is launching their NEW line of Hamburger Buns, Hot Dog Buns and two varieties of Ancient Grains Breads this month... just in time for your summer BBQs!  I have been waiting for what seems like a very long time for Udi's Gluten Free to make buns; I figured that since their bread is soft, delicious and doesn't need toasting that their buns would be superior to others on the market.  I was right.


My family sampled Udi's new gluten free buns and Udi's new gluten free Ancient Grain Breads and they were a hit!  My daughter enthusiastically announced "I love Udi's Hamburger Buns" at the dinner table after she tried them; I especially liked them toasted on the grill.  I was impressed by how soft Udi's Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns were, although I was lucky to get a taste because my teenage son (who is a hot dog fanatic) ate almost all of them in a matter of days. :)  


Udi's Ancient Grain Breads are moist, full of earthy flavor and although these breads do not need to be toasted to be enjoyed I happen to think they are exceptionally tasty when toasted; it seems to enhance the flavor of the grains.  Udi's Gluten Free Millet-Chia Bread and Omega-Salba Bread offer healthy elements such as protein, fiber, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Try them for yourselves... there is no other gluten free bread on the market like them!  

Udi's is having a big Facebook promotion... If you “like” Udi’s you will get a $1 off coupon and if you tell three friends about Udi’s you'll be entered to win a weekly prize and a $500 gift card!  Woo hoo!

BUY IT:

Click here to find the store nearest you carrying Udi's Gluten Free Foods.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review.  I received the item/items featured in this post for review purposes courtesy of the product company and/or its PR company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Encourage the Girl Scouts to Offer Gluten Free Cookies - Sign the Petition Today!

I found this link to sign a petition to encourage the Girl Scouts of America to sell a gluten and allergen free Girl Scout Cookie.  I am a former Girl Scout leader and an advocate for my daughter who has Celiac disease; I find it heartbreaking to see her missing out on the simple pleasures of life such as enjoying Girl Scout Cookies with her friends, so I was happy to sign the petition.

Please follow this link to sign the petition... 100,000 votes are needed by the end of May and there are currently less than 500 signatures.

Please post this link to the petition on your gluten free blogs, Facebook and Twitter pages to help spread the word.  Together we can make a difference!

Giveaway Winner: Gluten Free on a Shoestring Cookbook

And the winner is:

edmontonjb (comment #14)

Congratulations! You were e-mailed on 4/19/11; please reply to my e-mail within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Special thanks to DaCapo Press/Lifelong Books for sponsoring this giveaway!

Kinnikinnick Now Selling Gluten Free Blueberry Doughnuts for a Limited Time!

Kinnikinnick, a leading manufacturer of gluten-free baked goods and snacks has introduced blueberry donuts, their new seasonal donut flavor!

My family sampled the tasty blueberry donuts last weekend; we thought they had a fresh blueberry flavor and enjoyed the yummy blueberry glaze as well.  We don't eat donuts on a regular basis, but there are no artificial colors or flavors in this donut so I felt good about serving them to my family as a special treat.  In addition to being gluten free, Kinnikinnick's donuts do not contain preservatives, dairy, soy or nuts.

Kinnikinnick’s seasonal blueberry donuts will be available starting April 1^st exclusively on their website or by calling toll free 1-877-503-4466.

TIP: For best texture and taste, keep frozen and microwave or warm before eating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review.  I received the item/items featured in this post courtesy of the product company and/or its PR company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Printable $1.00 Off Coupon for Wolfgang Puck Gluten Free Organic Soups

Wolfgang Puck has been busy redesigning some of his delicious organic soup recipes so that they are gluten free!  Better yet, Wolfgang Puck is offering Gluten Free Taste of Home readers a chance to print a $1.00 off coupon so you can try his gluten free soups for yourselves.  Wolfgang Puck soups usually retail for approximately $2.49, so this is a fantastic savings opportunity!

Be sure to share the link to this post with your gluten free friends so they can take advantage of this limited time coupon offer as well!

My daughters and I had the opportunity to sample Wolfgang Puck's gluten free Tomato Basil Bisque, Signature Tortilla and Free Range Chicken with White & Wild Rice soups.  My favorite is the Signature Tortilla Soup; the flavor reminds me of tamales, which I love!  My teenage daughter is a big fan of the Tomato Basil Bisque; she appreciates the chunks of tomato and the fresh sweet flavor of the basil.  My youngest daughter prefers the Free Range Chicken with White & Wild Rice; she enjoys the homemade taste of the broth and the nutty taste of the wild rice.

I will definitely buy Wolfgang Puck's gluten free soups again... especially with the generous $1.00 off coupon! 

Thanks Wolfgang!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review.  I received the item/items featured in this post courtesy of the product company and/or its PR company. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are solely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”