Gluten Free Holiday Cookies from Lucy's - Limited Edition!

The nice folks at Lucy's are spreading holiday cheer with two limited edition gluten free cookie flavors: Holiday Sugars and Chocolate Merry Mint.  The Holiday Sugar cookies are sprinkle with sparkling sugar and the Chocolate Merry Mint cookies have a hint of delicious mint flavor!

Tuck Lucy's gluten free holiday cookies into lunchboxes or offer them on trays at your next holiday get together.  My kids also love them with a cup of hot cocoa after school for a special treat.  However you decide to serve them, these delicious holiday cookies  are sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Lucy's limited edition holiday cookies will only be available throughout holidays so don't miss them!

Saffron Road Introduces Gluten Free Crunchy Chickpeas!

Have you tried the new Crunchy Chickpeas snacks from Saffron Road?  They are a healthy gluten free alternative to fried, fat-laden snacks, offering 6 grams of protein and only 4 grams of fat per serving.  These addicting little morsels come in 3 yummy flavors to suit every palette: Falafel (my personal favorite), Bombay Spice and Wasabi.

Saffron Road's Crunchy Chickpeas are made with organic chickpeas that are certified Non-GMO.  They are perfect for snacking at home or on the go.  Try putting out bowls of all three flavors at your holiday gatherings... they are sure to stir up some "spicy" conversation.

You can find Crunchy Chickpeas at your local Whole Foods Market.

Is Dominoes Pizza Chain's Gluten Free Crust Safe to Eat?

While the gluten free community is always looking for new gluten free dining options, the first priority is figuring out if the foods offered are safe to eat. The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) has released a statement regarding the release of Dominoes Pizza chain's effort to introduce gluten free pizza crust.  Here is an excerpt from that statement: "While GIG appreciates Domino's desire to offer a gluten-free pizza, we do not feel the effort put forth demonstrates a true commitment toward making a safe environment for producing gluten-free food."  To read GIG's entire statement regarding Dominoes gluten free crust on Examiner.com click here.

I trust GIG's opinion on gluten free restaurant safety; based on their statement I personally will not be purchasing the Dominoes gluten free pizza for my daughter who has Celiac Disease.  I find it unfortunate that Dominoes does not understand the need for adequate cross contamination practices when offering gluten free food to its customers.

Celiac Awareness Music Video!

Thanks to Kate from the Gluten Free Gobsmacked blog for posting this fun Celiac awareness music video; it's a parody of Simon & Garfunkels song Cecelia. Enjoy!

Consumer Alert/Product Recall: Jelly Belly Deluxe Easter Mix (contains gluten!)

Beware... Jelly Belly Deluxe Easter Mix candies are being recalled due to the fact they were made with undeclared wheat.  The candies are falsely labeled gluten free.  The recalled product was distributed nationwide.

Details:

Assortment of seasonal Peter Rabbit Deluxe Easter Mix “Gluten Free” candies
2.7 ounce bags
UPC number 071567992794
Lot codes of:

11111, with Best Before date of January 11, 2013
111215, with Best Before date of February 15, 2013
Lot code 120120, with Best Before date of March 20, 2013

The Jelly Belly Candy Company of Fairfield, California initiated the recall.  The reason for the recall is that the Deluxe Easter candy mix contains wheat and malted milk balls, which contain gluten.

If you have a question or need more information, contact Jelly Belly Customer Service at 1-800-323-9380 from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm PST (Monday through Friday).

Rudi's Gluten Freebies Giveaway... Cameras, Toasters, & Other Prizes!

Throughout February, you can log on to the Rudi's Gluten-Free Facebook page each day and enter for the chance to win terrific prizes like a Cuisinart toaster, a Kodak digital camera, Rudi’s Gluten-Free products, Crofter’s Organic jams and other awesome prizes to celebrate gluten-free life!

In the meantime, definitely check out the Rudi's Gluten-Free website for information on their delicious gluten free line of bakery products.  You can also check out Rudi's Gluten-Free store locator to find their products at a store near you.

Best of luck!

My Recipe was Published in the Newest Gooseberry Patch Cookbook!

Hi everyone... I am excited to share that my Mustard Thyme Potato Salad recipe was published in the newest Gooseberry Patch cookbook entitled 101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches!  I haven't received my copy yet, but based on the cover art (above) it appears that my recipe is also featured on the cover! Woo hoo! 

I have been a loyal  fan of all things Gooseberry Patch for over a decade and now I am a tiny piece of their history (I am feeling all warm and fuzzy inside right now). :)

If you purchase a copy of 101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches be sure to leave a comment here and let me know how you liked the recipes!

Note:  I can't say how many of the recipes inside are gluten free, with the exception of mine of course, but I would imagine the ones that aren't can be easily modified.

Have a yummy day!

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!

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.”

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!

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.”

Paid Opportunity: Online Insight Panel Group Centered on Family Health, Nutrition, and Wellness

WEGO Health is hosting a paid, online Insight Panel Group centered on family health, nutrition and wellness. If you are active with blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc. and are interested in this opportunity then follow the link to this page for more information: http://bit.ly/eSpr8o

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this post. 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 KIND Bars "Go Green" at Whole Foods Markets in April!

The KIND Bar folks are starting a "green" promotion with Whole Foods Markets on April 6; they are going to have wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels in all of the Washington (and most of Oregon) stores which will be full of KIND cases and will support local community gardens. The gardening equipment will be donated to the gardens at the end of the month.  To top it off, KIND Bars will be on sale at participating stores all month! Woo Hoo! 

KIND Bar demo folks will educate shoppers on the local gardens and Whole Foods and KIND employees will be joining forces to volunteer their time in the gardens during the month of May.  Love it!

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.”

Chef PURPOSELY Serving Gluten to Gluten Free Customers!!

Hold on to your seats... this is ugly.  Celiac.com has posted an article about a chef who has been PURPOSELY serving gluten to customers who ordered gluten free food!

Click here to read this story on Celiac.com.

Resource: Safeway's NEW SimpleNutrition Labeling Program

Safeway has initiated a new labeling program throughout all of their grocery stores called SimpleNutrition. Hundreds of gluten free products are now easy to identify with green SimpleNutrition labels throughout the store.

Click here to read the full post on my Freebie Fairy blog.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review.  I received Safeway gift cards as a thank you from Safeway for participating in their SimpleNutrition promotion. 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 Summer Camps for Kids!

Katie Chalmers, author of the popular children's book Mommy, What is Celiac Disease? has compiled a list of 10 U.S. Celiac camps, along with photos, links and an article.This is such a valuable resource for Celiac families! There are also several other videos & links for Celiac kids and their supporters in the right hand sidebar of Katie's website, which will continue to grow.

Here is the link to the gluten free summer camp list: http://www.katiechalmers.com/events.html

Udi's Gluten Free Introduces New Products!

As a huge fan of Udi's Gluten Free Foods I was eager to try their new Whole Grain Bagels, Cinnamon Raisin Bagels and Cinnamon Raisin Bread.  In true Udi's fashion each of the new arrivals were moist, flavorful and remarkably resembled the taste and texture of the gluten filled baked goods of my past.

If you haven't tried the new gluten free bagels and bread varieties from Udi's yet, what are you waiting for?  I recommend that you buy a big tub of cream cheese, pop an Udi's gluten free whole grain or cinnamon raisin bagel (or a slice of raisin bread) in your toaster and get ready for a special treat!

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.”

Awesome Gluten Free Kind Bar Sale at Whole Foods Markets!

Great news... all Whole Foods Markets are participating in a 3 for $4.00 deal on gluten free Kind Bars from January 12th through January 25th!  Even better news... if you like to buy in bulk like me, you buy a case of Kind Bars and get the same discount but with an added 10% off for case pricing at Whole Foods.  Woo hoo!   

There should be eye catching Kind displays set up in the stores to help you find the bars.  Don't forget to try all the new flavors ( I am partial to the new Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate + Protein flavor!).
 
Happy shopping!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this review.  I received the item featured in this post  courtesy of the product company and/or its PR company. 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.”

Post Announces Gluten Free Cocoa & Fruity Pebbles Cereals!

Thanks to my friend Linda from The Gluten Free Homemaker blog, I just found out that Post is now making their Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles cereals gluten free!  Pebbles were one of my favorite cereals when I was a kid, and now my kids can try them. :)

Read all about it here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not compensated for this post; The opinions I have expressed are 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.”