I went to my local store yesterday to buy some coffee, and as I walked in there was a huge rack of Gluten Free Chocolate and Sugarless Chocolate as you walk in. Clearly a new product line for this major food chain in Australia, and wanting to get it in front of the eyes of the consumers.

Well it got my attention!

With a large variety of flavours to choose from this gluten free chocolate range, I selected a block of ‘Cranberries In Dark Chocolate’ and ‘Raspberries In White Chocolate’. Both are also ‘sugarless’ with ‘no added sugar’ (great for diabetics or blood sugar sensitivities). There was no price on the rack, which always sets my bells off for suspicion of a high-end price. It was a fair alarm bell, because at $7.95 a block it’s a little hefty.

Price for Gluten Free Chocolate

Was the price worth it?

Well, I got home and put the coffee machine on… and although I am not a huge sweets fan (will go for savoury any time of the day!) I was so curious that I broke open the packet before my cup of coffee was ready.

I first took a bite of the ‘Raspberries In White Chocolate’. The burst of sweetness smacked my tongue. I really didn’t expect it to taste so sweet! While it contains no sugar, upon checking the food label on the back, it does contain ‘Maltitol’ as it’s first ingredient (a sugar alternative).

From Wikipedia:

“Maltitol is a sugar alcohol (a polyol) used as a sugar substitute. It has 75-90% of the sweetness of sucrose (table sugar) and nearly identical properties, except for browning. It is used to replace table sugar because it has fewer calories, does not promote tooth decay, and has a somewhat lesser effect on blood glucose. In chemical terms, maltitol is known as 4-O-α-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol. It is known under trade names such as Maltisorb, Maltisweet and Lesys.”

The texture of the real raspberries within the white chocolate is simply divine! Delicious!

Then it was time for a bit of my favourite. Dark chocolate. This was the ‘Cranberries in Dark Chocolate,’ and was equally as sweet, but with smaller bits of berries and a more ‘natural’ taste of chocolate (for me).

For both of these I rate:

Flavour: 9/10

Texture: 9/10

Price: 8/10

Personally, I’d prefer a dash of real sugar any day, and just enjoy a small piece of chocolate now and then.

The price, while reasonable-to-high for a special food product is probably even more so because it’s an import to Australia from Spain.

The company that is marked on the back of this product is www.sugarlessco.com – in case you’d like more information.

If you try out some of the other flavours of chocolate, please leave your comment below and let us all know what you think of this gluten free chocolate!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2518715

Contributing Author: Lillea Woodlyns

 

One of the challenges when eating gluten free is having enough food choices that make eating pleasurable.

Potatoes are a wonderfully flexible food to include in a GF diet. Yes, potatoes are gluten free, but you must be cautious.

3 Reasons Potatoes Are a Great Choice for GF Diets + Why You Should Be Cautious

1. Ease of Preparation

Potatoes are simple to prepare, unlike other GF starchy carbohydrate sources which often require special preparation to create a pleasing taste.

Simply peel the potatoes, if you like, then slice them up if appropriate and cook them in the way that you like: boil, steam, bake, slow cook, fry, microwave, sous-vide, BBQ… potatoes can be delicious when cooked in every way imaginable.

2. Highly Digestible

The skin of a potato is the only part that commonly causes digestive distress.

While the skin has trace nutrients and fiber, the majority of the nutrient content in a potato is in the flesh, so don’t worry about discarding the skin, you can get your fiber in other ways.

Given that people with gluten issues often have a problem with digestion in one way or another, the more easily digestible a food is, the better.

3. Nutritious

Potatoes contain decent amounts of minerals, easily digested carbohydrate and complete protein. Yes, complete! That means that, unlike most plant foods, potatoes contain the 9 essential amino acids that the body needs.

The protein level is not high per potato, but it can still be a positive contribution to daily protein intake, particularly if potatoes are favored over other carbohydrate sources that don’t contain complete protein.

Caution!

Potatoes in their whole form are gluten free, but watch out with processed foods that are potato based, including potato chips. Be sure to check labels for gluten ingredients and any warnings about possible cross-contamination with gluten foods in the factory they are processed in. Write/call manufacturers if in doubt, and also be careful when buying prepared potato dishes from delis and restaurants. Always ask to verify that a dish is truly gluten free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lillea_Woodlyns

One concern that you may have when you start a gluten free menu in order to rid yourself of unwanted belly fat or to remove gluten sensitivity symptoms is that following a specialized diet is too expensive. That’s a valid concern. If you’ve been to the grocery store lately you can see that many food costs are on the rise while our income levels are staying, well, level. I’m all for spending the least amount of money you can on food so that you can have the resources for the other important things in your life. However, spending wisely on the right food choices so that you can experience optimal health is not only possible, but crucial to an overall healthy lifestyle.

Let me show you why following a gluten free menu may actually save you some money over what you are eating now.

Many of the foods which contain gluten are packaged and processed. Because they are wheat or grain based they are the types of foods that are easily stored in bulk. This makes them abundant; however, does it make them the best choices for your health?

Back in 1999 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated that a family of four can eat at home at cost of $95.00 to $185.00 per week. Over ten years later you can still do that. The obstacle that most people have is that there are now so many processed and pre-made food choices and our lives are hectic so it’s easiest reach for those more expensive type of meals that do a little planning and cooking on your own.

I would argue that by cooking a few more meals at home you can have better control over a gluten free menu and a full array of healthy choices. Making your own stir-fry rather than purchasing a ready-made frozen variety allows you to be in control of what goes into your food and what goes into your body. Have you ever really considered the amount of sodium that you are ingesting, cumulatively, over the course of a day?

And don’t let the idea of pre-planning or cooking homemade meals scare you off. It’s amazing how much food you can freeze or store with the help of a vacuum sealer. If you are making one pan of spinach lasagna, why not make two and freeze the second one for later. By removing much of the air during storage you can keep your gluten free menu choices fresh. They will be ready to grab and go, just like the stuff that’s in your grocery freezer aisle; however, you know what’s in your gluten free homemade meal and it’s better for your body.

Just consider this one easy example. If you love to have banana bread at breakfast since you no longer need cereal on your gluten free menu, then you can make several loaves at the same time and freeze what you are not eating immediately for future use. If you purchase over ripe bananas at the store they are usually less expensive and perfect for gluten free banana bread. Once they are baked and cooled, you can wrap them in wax paper and then seal in a storage bag or a vacuum sealer. Later, just pull a loaf from the freezer, defrost and enjoy.

There are also gluten free sources that will sell their selections for your gluten free menu in bulk, thus reducing the cost. Be sure to check out the sources for a great banana bread recipe and ideas on where to buy gluten free food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Damico

Gluten Free Snacks - Raspberry & Apple Muffins

SEVENTEEN Healthy Gluten Free Snacks on the Run

Finding ideas for yummy gluten free snacks can be a bit of a task, especially when you are new to the gluten free lifestyle. Or, perhaps you’ve got into your rhythm of gluten free snacks and meals and now looking for some new ideas?

Either way, here is a list below of seventeen gluten free snack ideas you can add to your culinary repertoire:

1.    Fruche (Most varieties)
2.    Le Rice (Most varieties)
3.    Cheese and Rice crackers*
4.    Fresh fruit
5.    Gluten free muesli bar
6.    Beef jerky (home-made)
7.    Small can of baked beans* (check label)
8.    Small tin of tuna in spring water (most flavoured varieties contain wheat flour)
9.    Rice cakes* with cream cheese and jam; peanut butter; butter & honey
10.    Gluten free muffin – home-made and freeze: defrosts in a minute! Many stores now provide gluten free muffins.
11.    Sushi – without the soy sauce. Avoid the teriyaki chicken, crab sticks (imitation, and contain wheat flour) and marinated meats. Go for salmon, tuna, avocado, egg.
12.    Small dip* (check label. Many varieties are gluten free) with rice crackers*
13.    Hard-boiled egg
14.    Vegetable crudités with cottage cheese
15.    Plain nacho chips* with salsa*
16.    Fresh fruit smoothie
17.    Banana milkshake, try adding mango, plain yoghurt or vanilla ice cream*

‘*’ denotes beware; check the ingredients label

•   Rice crackers are not necessarily gluten free. Many contain wheat or barley in the flavouring. Be sure to read the ingredients label. If in doubt, search for the packets which state “Gluten Free”.

•   Try the flavoured (gluten free) rice crackers for dips

•   The ‘sea salt’ and ‘cracked pepper’ (SA-KA-TA) are delicious with cheese

•   Rice cakes may contain gluten within the product, such as barley or may be made on shared equipment with other foods containing gluten. Check the label.

•  There are many varieties of nacho chips on the market. Guaranteed that most of the flavourings will contain gluten (unless specified ‘gluten free’) Go for plain nacho chips or corn chips.

•   Many varieties of ice cream are gluten free. If in doubt go for plain. ALWAYS check the ingredients label. Note: sorbet’s can often contain wheat.

DISCLAIMER: The information and advice contained on this post is intended as a general guide to a wheat and gluten free diet and are not specific to the individuals or their particular circumstances. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for claims arising from the inappropriate use or misuse of the recommendations in the publication or the failure to obtain or take appropriate medical advice.

Gluten Free Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, are you still wondering how to make some delicious recipes for a gluten free Christmas?

How about some traditional shortbread – gluten free?
Or try an Australian favourite, the pavlova (in a fancy log roll form!)
Delve into the sweetness of White Choc-Cherry Christmas,
Or perhaps you prefer the combination of a sweet-tart Fruit of the Forrest Cheesecake…

……or simply, the tradition of a gluten free Christmas cake.

All of these recipes are available as a free bonus eCookbook with the purchase of “Everyday Meals & Entertaining” (for online orders only at www.creativefoodglutenfree.com)  as a limited offer ending 24th December 2010!

So be quick, and order your copy of “Everyday Meals & Entertaining” now, and get your bonus free “Gluten Free Christmas Sweet Treats” recipe eCookbook instantly!

(Please note, “Everday Meals & Entertaining” is a physical book, and may take up to 5 business days delivery within Australia.)

Looking for some gluten free party food ideas?

Coming into the holidays, it is often a bit of a baffle for family and friends to know what to prepare or cook for their loved ones who are gluten intolerant.

Heck, it’s often a bit baffling and confusing to the gluten intolerant also, especially if you are newly diagnosed with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, and just now making the shift to a gluten free diet lifestyle.

So to help you, we’ve listed some gluten free party food ideas for you to serve up at home, with friends, at a party, or even as snacks or light meals.

• Cheese* and fruit platter with rice crackers*
• Antipasto platter – mixed marinated vegetables, olives (beware of some varieties of stuffed olives), dolminades
• Vegetable crudités and plain nacho chips* with a salsa dip* – Pour 200g Dorritos salsa premix into a small bowl. Add a good dollop of light sour cream, some finely diced avocado and small finely diced spring onions. Delicious!
• Garlic Banana or King Prawns (with garlic and butter) on the BBQ hot plate*
• Mini baked jacket potatoes eg. with sour cream and chives; or cheese, bacon and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Kebabs – beef, red onion and capsicum; mixed vegetables; chicken and lime wedges
• Mini frittatas – use gluten free flour and make in patty pan tins.
• Mini rice cake* pizzas
• Nachos* – spread with cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, tomato, red onion and spring onions
• Fruit kebabs – chunks of watermelon, rockmelon, honey dew melon, strawberries and pineapple
• Mini pavlovas* – dressed with cream, fresh fruit and drizzled with passion fruit pulp or syrup
• After dinner mints* (check ingredients label)

Some of the ideas above are from the cookbook available on our website “Everyday Meals & Entertaining”
Here are some more ideas from the cookbook…

• Fudge Brownies
• Field Muschrooms with Bruschetta Topping
• Hazelnut & Raspberry Friands
• Chicken & Prawn Balls
• Cheese, Bacon & Capsicum Fritatta
• Sesame Prawns
• Spicy Wedges
• Meatballs
• Marinated Tofu, Capsicum & Mushroom kebabs
• Raspberry & Apple Muffins
• Vietnamese Fresh Rolls
• Prawn & Avocaado Bites
• Thai Fish Cakes
• Oysters Kilpatrick
• Marshmallows
• Choc Chip Cookies
• Rocky Road

‘*’ denotes beware; check the ingredients label

• Rice cakes may contain gluten within the product, such as barley or may be made on shared equipment with other foods containing gluten. Check the label.
• Cheese is usually gluten free. Please check the label as some varieties, particularly creamed cheeses with added ingredients can possibly contain gluten.
• Check the hotplate is clean and free of marinade. If in doubt, cover BBQ hotplate with alfoil or hotplate food cover to protect against cross-contamination
• Rice crackers are not necessarily gluten free. Many contain wheat or barley in the flavouring. Be sure to read the ingredients label. If in doubt, search for the packets which state “Gluten Free”. My preferred brand is SA-KA-TA.
• Try the flavoured rice crackers for dips
• The ‘sea salt’ and ‘cracked pepper’ (SA-KA-TA) are delicious with cheese
• There are many varieties of nacho and corn chips on the market. Go for plain, unless the packet specifies “Gluten Free”.
• Check the packet label for pre-purchased pavlovas. Beware of icing mixture/sugar. Use PURE 100% icing sugar or gluten free icing mixture

Have you got value from this blog post?
Please comment below
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- Elena Blunsum sharing her experiences with a gluten free diet and gluten free UK shopping.

Elena Blunsum

First, we have a quick interview with Elena to find out a little bit about her history with gluten intolerance.

CFGF Team: When did you first discover you were intolerant to gluten?

Elena Blunsum: I discovered I am gluten intolerant 12 years ago. At first it was incredibly challenging on the food front as there were so few gluten free alternatives avaliable and many of those weren’t very good! I’m so grateful that this is no longer true!! Then there was the issue of people’s attitudes and pity that I could no longer eat so many of the things I loved – a typical comment would be “How awful for you!!!” “…Why????” I was just delighted to have an answer!! I didn’t want to eat those things any more, not with the way they made me feel!!! If eat gluten for 3 days I literally can’t function! So now it’s just a part of life!!

CFGF Team: What was one of the best moments for you for turning your health around to being healthy and vibrant again?

Elena Blunsum: One of my biggest turn arounds was working with Brian McDonogh at the Eagle Clinic. I really recommend him! His approach to nutritional medicine resolved the long term effects on my health of eating gluten!!!

CFGF Team: How would you describe the gluten free diet for you?

Elena Blunsum: So, for me, a gluten free diet is fantastic!!!!

Furthermore, here is what else Elena was so excited to share with our community.

Whether you live in the UK, or about to go on vacation to the UK here are some wonderful hints and tips she’s delighted to share to enhance your experience of living with a gluten free diet.

Gluten Free UK – By Elena Blunsum

Gluten Free Food Shopping in the UK has come so far in the last 15 years! It just keeps getting better! In fact, I found a gluten free Panettone yesterday!

I would say that the best supermarkets for gluten free UK shopping  are Sainsburys and Tesco with Waitrose coming 3rd!

I’ve found that the best bread is “Genius” – it comes as white or brown and doesn’t need to be reheated! If you can’t get that then Antoinette Saville’s rolls are great – they do need to be refreshed/reheated and are also delicious toasted!

As for pastas you’re safe with most of the brands from the supermarkets above – my favourites are Salute and Doves Farm.

Sainsbury stock some frozen products – I’ve only tried the pizza which was ’ok’ – better than nothing! I’m not sure if Tesco do…..

Cakes and biscuits – again, lots to choose from! Just see what takes your fancy – I particularly love Prewitt’s Chocolate Bourbons – luxuriously delicious and you’d never know they were gluten free!

If you want to bake then Dove’s Farm is the flour to get – it makes brilliant cakes!

I generally avoid the health food shops as they tend to be expensive and the range at my local one is not so good.

Beware corn tortillas as they’re usually corn and flour – unlike in the US where I thoroughly enjoyed ‘just corn’ corn tortillas! There is a small stall in Borough Market (near London Bridge station), London where they sell proper corn tortillas and of course you can freeze them!

If you’re over here for Christmas and want a GF Christmas pudding I wouldn’t recommend buying one – none I’ve ever tried have been very good! However, I would recommend the recipe in Peter Thomson’s book “Gluten Free Cookery”! The family all prefer it to what they would usually have had!!

If you have any specific enquiries do feel free to add me as a friend on FB and get in touch!

Gluten free UK – Eating out

The awareness of the needs of those on a gluten free diet has soared over recent years as has the provision of gluten free food in restaurants and it’s now often specifically identified on menus which is a great help, especially amongst chain establishments!

If you’re in/near the Kingston upon Thames, Surrey area and like Italian food you’ve got to check out “Bruschetta – the Gluten Free Restaurant” on facebook – unbelievably good pizza and pasta – I thought I’d gone to heaven!

I haven’t tried it but I recently heard about http://www.italiancotto.co.uk/ 89 Westminister Bridge Road,Waterloo, London SE1 7HR so I’m looking forward to giving it a go!

I’m not sure what the norm is for you regarding Chinese food and the use of soy sauce – here it’s often added during cooking, even to special fried rice so it’s always best to double check before ordering! (editors note to newbies to the gluten free diet – most soy sauces generally contain gluten. Please read the ingredients label and check for a gluten free soy sauce product).

Also, when eating Mexican food, beware corn tortillas as they’re usually corn and flour – unlike in the US where I thoroughly enjoyed ‘just corn’ corn tortillas!

Useful info on the web can be found at:
www.glutenfreetravelsite.com
www.go-gluten-free-wheat-free.co.uk/eating/
www.glutenfreeonthego.com/default.asp

If you have any specific enquiries do feel free to add me as a friend on FB and get in touch!

Well, I think that’s it for now!

Bon appétit and happy travels!

Elena Blunsum London, UK
www.wanderful-life.com

Note from CFGF Team. Would you like to contribute some great hints and tips for a gluten free lifestyle in your local area?

First, please comment below.. and if you have a LOT to share, then we’d be glad to hear from you and post an article with your information to share with our community.

Gluten Free Christmas Cake

With Christmas only around the corner, we’ve had lots of people ask us “how do I make a gluten free Christmas cake!?”

While we have a BONUS “Christmas Sweet Treats” Recipe ecookbook with the purchase of “Everyday Meals & Entertaining” before 24th December 2010, we’ve decided to make this Gluten Free Christmas Cake Recipe available for all – as our gift to you!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Download this recipe for your convenience:

Gluten Free Christmas Cake

Ingredients

1 kg mixed dried fruit*
1 cup glacé apricots, chopped
¾ cup glacé cherries, chopped
¼ cup glacé ginger, chopped
⅓ cup walnuts or almonds*, roughly chopped
½ cup brandy
Canola oil spray
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs (59g)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 orange)
2 cups gluten free plain flour
½ cup gluten free self raising flour
1 ½ teaspoons mixed spice*
½ teaspoon cinnamon*
Blanched almonds to decorate*
1 meter length of wide Christmas ribbon or plastic Christmas decoration

Method

In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, chopped glace apricots, cherries and ginger. Pour over the brandy and toss through. Cover and stand over night. Add the nuts and toss through.

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Prepare a 20cm round cake tin, sprayed lightly with the oil and lined with non-stick baking paper. Make sure the paper stands 5cm above the edge of the cake tin.

Place the brown sugar, oil, eggs, orange juice and vanilla essence in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth and has turned a light brown. Add to the fruit mix and combine well.

In a separate bowl, sift the flours, mixed spice and cinnamon and stir through to combine. Fold the flour mixture into the fruit mixture, making sure the flour is mixed through well. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, leveling out evenly with the back of a spoon. Tap the pan gently on the bench to remove air bubbles.

Bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for 3 hours or until a skewer is inserted into the centre and comes out clean. Remove from the oven, wrap in a clean tea towel and allow the cake to cool.

Decorate the cake with the blanched almonds; place them evenly around the top of the cake, gently pressing into the cake mixture. You can wrap some Christmas ribbon around the cake or place the plastic decoration on top (press the ‘stem’ into the cake).

Serves: 30

Preparation time: 10 minutes (day before) plus 20 minutes prior to cooking (30 minutes total)
Cooking time: 3 hours

Tip

If using a fan-forced oven, double line the cake tin with baking paper and loosely lay an extra circle of baking paper on top of the cake if it begins to darken too much. You may need to reduce the heat a little.

A conventional oven was used to create this recipe.

* Indicates check the package label to confirm product is gluten free.

Please feel free to share this recipe with your friends!

Also, click “Like” our facebook fanpage (on the right-hand side bar of page) and join our community for more gluten free information, hints, tips, recipes, and more!

Download this recipe for your convenience:

Gluten Free Christmas Cake

Do you have a comment about this recipe or gluten free cooking?
Please leave your comment below.
Welcome to our community!

© Copyright 2010 www.CreativeFoodGlutenFree.com All Rights Reserved.

Preparing ahead, also minimizes the anxiety often associated with a gluten-free diet, as you will have plenty of delicious food at hand, made for meals and snacks on the go. It reduces the temptation to ‘cheat’ (which is not good for your health) and increases your psychological satisfaction along with your stomach (delicious taste) and body (healthy food) praising you!

Below are twelve tips to being organized in the kitchen, to help you along your way with cooking:

1.    Allocate an hour or two one day a week (perhaps the day before your ‘shopping day’) to plan your meals for the week ahead. Make sure you consider your personal time constraints. Set your meals up for success. Keep them quick and easy for during your working week.
2.    Create a ‘gluten free stock inventory’ list of your regular foods you purchase and mark when required, before they run out. Make a pad of multiple copies of this list and stick to the fridge. (Note: It’s handy to share this list with family and friends who may want to cook for you. It helps ‘relieve’ them of the “but what food can you eat?” fear.)
3.    For meals that freeze well, make a double batch and freeze single or family sized meals for those ‘nights off’. Make sure you mark the container with the name of the meal and the date it was made/frozen.
4.    Co-ordinate your meals so that many of the fresh ingredients are able to be used up and none go to waste.
5.    Buy meat in bulk and make up BBQ packs, stir-fry meat packs (marinade strips of meat or chicken and freeze, ready to go). Also, create stir-fry vegetable packs and store in airtight container or zip-lock bags.
6.    Store flours and dry goods in labeled air-tight containers in the pantry, so things are easy to find and get used before they expire.
7.    Freeze left over liquids such as stock, lemon juice, coconut cream, evaporated skim milk and percolated coffee, in a covered ice tray for later use in meals and dessert dishes requiring only a little of the ingredient. Once frozen you can transfer to larger containers or zip lock bags so you can reuse the ice trays.
8.    Buy seasonal fruit in bulk when on sale and freeze, eg. Bananas, strawberries, mangoes. Peel and slice or cut up fruit into chunks and store in zip lock bags. These make great ready-to-use serving portions for fruit smoothies, milkshakes, muffins or cakes.
9.    Keep your bench tops clean and uncluttered. Wash and put dishes away each day. Inspiration to cook is often thwarted when the kitchen is in a mess.
10.    Invest in a good set of quality knives and store correctly, in a block or on a knife rack. Keeping sharp knives in drawers with other utensils blunts them very quickly. A good knife to prepare food with makes ALL the difference to your cooking experience.
11.    Have the quality tools – pots, pans, cutting boards, blender, several sized mixing bowls, quality containers and utensils are just some of the kitchen tools that make cooking all the more fun. Start with the basics, and go for quality rather than quantity.
12.    Consider doing your grocery shopping online. With the advent of the internet, and online shopping, most countries and locations have stores that now allow you to place your order online, pay and have it delivered to your door! You could save yourself several hours a week (no queues, screaming kids, trying to find a space to park your car, etc). Once you are familiar with your online shopping account, and create a regular list, it usually takes no more than 15 minutes to place your order. You can use the rest of the time now saved (travel, store-time, queue time) to allocate it to more desirable things you want to do – or even cook!

Enjoy!

Cheers to your health & vitality – and fun, being organized in the kitchen.